Thousands witness Makara Jyothi at Sabarimala

Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Thousands of devotees gathered at Sabarimala on Wednesday evening to see the Makara Jyothi lit atop Ponnambalamedu hill, marking the peak of the Makaravilakku festival. The celebration coincided with the ongoing deeparadhana at the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims from across the temple area, including Sannidhanam, chanted “Swamiye Sharanamayyappa” while waiting for the sacred flame.

Earlier, the Thiruvabharanam procession began from Pandalam Palace and reached Sannidhanam. At Saramkuthi, officials received the sacred jewels and carried them into the sanctum. After crossing the 18 holy steps, the tantris and Melshanti handed over the ornaments.

The Thiruvabharanam came in three boxes: one with the deity’s ornaments, one with gold vessels and materials for Malikappurathamma’s pooja, and one with items for her ceremonial ascent. The deity was then adorned with the sacred jewels, followed by deeparadhana, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.

The deeparadhana at Ponnambalamedu intensified devotion as the Makara Jyothi flame appeared three times, thrilling the crowd.

Earlier in the day, the Makara Sankrama puja had been performed at the temple.

Crowd control measures and travel advisories

Authorities imposed strict restrictions on viewing the Makara Jyothi from the Thirumuttam and nearby flyovers. Only pilgrims holding special photo identity passes issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board were permitted at these points, with passes strictly non-transferable.

To prevent congestion on return routes after the Makarajyothi darshan, additional KSRTC buses were deployed at Pampa, ensuring smoother movement of devotees.

Security and medical arrangements strengthened

Around 2,000 police personnel were deployed across the pilgrimage zone. The Health Department stationed approximately 50 doctors, including specialists, with supporting staff at hospitals in Sannidhanam, Pampa, Neelimala, Appachimedu, Charalmedu, and Nilackal. A reserve list of doctors was also maintained for uninterrupted emergency care.

Medical preparedness included 19 additional ambulances, bringing the total to 46. Of these, 14 ambulances operated at Makarajyothi viewing points, five at Pampa and Nilackal, and 17 emergency medical aid centres were set up along the trekking path from Pampa to Sannidhanam. A 24-hour control room coordinated stretcher and ambulance services.

Protests at Erumely

Tension erupted at Erumely on Tuesday when police stopped vehicles heading to Sabarimala from 1.30 pm due to overcrowding. Pilgrims, including many from other States, staged a sit-in on the roads, raising slogans against the restrictions.