Sabarimala Virtual Queue Online Booking for Makaravilakku Season: TDB's Decision and Extended Visiting Hours
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has confirmed that virtual queue booking will be mandatory for Sabarimala Ayyappa darshan during the Makaravilakku season. This system ensures the safety of both pilgrims and the shrine. Learn more about the new booking regulations, increased spot bookings, and the extended visiting hours that aim to better manage the crowd during this auspicious season.
image for illustrative purpose
Sabarimala Queue Online Booking:
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has upheld the Kerala government's decision to mandate virtual queue bookings for Sabarimala Ayyappa darshan during the Makaravilakku season. This system, deemed necessary for ensuring the safety of both pilgrims and the temple, was confirmed by TDB on Friday. TDB President P.S. Prashant stated that the decision was made with the best intentions.
Prashant assured that no devotee visiting Sabarimala would be turned away, and all will have the opportunity for darshan. He emphasized that virtual queue booking serves as an official record for each devotee, whereas spot booking is merely an entry permit. He further shared that the number of spot bookings increased from 3,95,634 in the 2022-23 season to 4,85,063 in the following season. Typically, the introduction of a virtual queue system should lead to a decrease in spot bookings, but in this case, they saw an increase, which he noted as a concerning development.
Prashant mentioned that TDB stands to benefit financially if the number of pilgrims increases, particularly through hundi collections and the sale of prasads. However, he stressed that the safety of the pilgrims is paramount, taking precedence over financial gains. "The safety of both devotees and the temple is of the utmost priority," he said, noting that Sabarimala is unlike any other temple due to the significant crowd of devotees on the hill.
Last December, during the Mandala pujas, the TDB struggled to control the large influx of devotees, leading to inadequate facilities and causing many pilgrims to leave without having darshan. This situation led to criticism of the board's management. In response, the Kerala government recently announced that this year, only pilgrims with online bookings will be allowed to visit Sabarimala Ayyappa, with a daily cap of 80,000 devotees for darshan.
Extension of Visiting Hours:
To manage the rush more effectively during the Makaravilakku season, the temple's visiting hours have been extended. Devotees can now have darshan from 3 AM to 1 PM, and again from 3 PM to 11 PM, allowing for a total of 17 hours of darshan each day.
