Hundreds of devotees flocked to the renowned Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, signalling the auspicious start of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’ and the much-anticipated Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The rush at Sabarimala was evident as pilgrims dressed in traditional black attire queued for hours to offer their prayers.
The temple gates opened early at 3 a.m., officiated by the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri. Amid the melodious chants of Lord Ayyappa hymns, the spiritual atmosphere filled the temple complex. This year’s pilgrimage season commenced with an overwhelming number of devotees arriving from various parts of Kerala and beyond.
According to officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), a significant influx of pilgrims had already begun even before dawn. Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti, Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju, and other senior officials attended the ceremony, underscoring its importance. The temple’s nadapandal (covered walkway) and sopanam (holy steps) witnessed long queues, reflecting the devotion of attendees.
Once the sanctum sanctorum opened, traditional rituals followed including Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam, each enhancing the festive mood around the temple. The temple will operate with a daily schedule that includes a midday closure at 1 p.m., a reopening at 3 p.m., and closing for the day at 11 p.m. with the traditional chanting of “Harivarasanam,” a sacred lullaby dedicated to the revered deity.
The temple had been ceremonially opened the previous evening ahead of the two-month-long pilgrimage season, which is projected to attract devotees from various corners of the globe. The rich cultural heritage of Sabarimala, as well as the spiritual significance it holds for many, contributes to the shrine’s popularity during this period.
In anticipation of the heavy rush, the TDB has implemented measures to manage the crowd effectively. They have capped the daily entry of pilgrims at 90,000, ensuring that 70,000 can enter through a virtual queue system, with an additional 20,000 allowed entry via spot booking. These initiatives aim to enhance the pilgrimage experience while prioritizing the safety and convenience of devotees.
The commencement of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season at Sabarimala serves as a reminder of the enduring faith and devotion present in the hearts of many. With pilgrims coming from various states, the temple continues to be a beacon of hope, spirituality, and unity among the masses, fostering a sense of community born from shared beliefs.
