Sabarimala temple's two-month-long festival season begins on Friday

Sabarimala: All arrangements are in place for the start of the two-month-long Sabarimala temple season, which is set to open on Friday. The state government has finalised the number of pilgrims who will be allowed at the hilltop shrine each day. Initially, 70,000 pilgrims, who booked their slots online, and 10,000 who opt for spot bookings will be allowed darshan.

The Travancore Devasom Board (TDB), which manages several temples, including Sabarimala, in the southern districts of the state, announced on Thursday that pilgrims will be allowed entry starting at 1 p.m. on Friday. The changeover of the temple priests for the next year will take place at 5 p.m., when the temple opens its doors.

Darshan for pilgrims will begin early on Saturday, officially marking the start of the festival season.

Situated in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 meters above sea level, Sabarimala temple is located four kilometers uphill from Pamba, in Pathanamthitta district, approximately 100 km from the state capital. The temple, which restricts the entry of women who have attained puberty, is accessible only on foot from the Pamba River.

As per tradition, pilgrims typically undertake a 41-day penance before embarking on the pilgrimage, during which they refrain from wearing footwear, wear a black dhoti, and follow a strict vegetarian diet. Each pilgrim carries an 'Irumudi' – a prayer kit containing coconuts, which are broken just before ascending the 18 steps at the temple’s 'Sannidhanam'. Without the Irumudi, no one is allowed to step onto the sacred steps.

This season, the TDB has also decided to provide free insurance coverage for pilgrims. In the event of a pilgrim’s death during the pilgrimage, their family will receive a sum of Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, arrangements will be made for the transportation of the mortal remains to the pilgrim’s hometown.

State Police Chief Sheik Darvaish Saheb held a high-level review meeting at the temple on Thursday to ensure all arrangements were in place. This season, a record 14,000 police officers, along with volunteers, will be on security duty and provide assistance to pilgrims.

The parking facility for pilgrims has been expanded to accommodate 10,000 vehicles. Rate cards in various South Indian languages will be displayed at restaurants in and around the temple town. Furthermore, healthcare facilities in the area have been upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.