Pathanamthitta: Sabarimala has witnessed a significant surge in pilgrim turnout this Mandalam–Makaravilakku season, with more than 51 lakh devotees visiting Lord Ayyappa’s shrine between November 16 and January 12, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K Jayakumar said on Tuesday. The figure marks an increase from around 48 lakh pilgrims recorded during the same period last year.

According to the TDB, the temple generated ₹429 crore in revenue this season, compared with ₹380 crore during the corresponding period in 2024–25, reflecting a sharp rise in offerings and pilgrimage activity at one of India’s most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centres.

Jayakumar said that all arrangements were in place for the Makaravilakku festival scheduled for Wednesday. Barricades have been installed at key viewing points to enable devotees to witness the Makara Jyoti, the sacred light associated with the festival.

In accordance with a High Court directive, entry to the Sannidhanam on the festival day has been restricted to 30,000 pilgrims through the virtual queue and 5,000 through spot booking, to ensure crowd control and safety. Coin counting is still underway, and additional staff from other temples will assist in completing the process by January 20, he added.

A review meeting will be held on February 6 to evaluate arrangements made during the just-concluded pilgrimage season and to begin preparations for the 2025–26 Sabarimala Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage. Jayakumar said the TDB plans to commence pilgrimage-related works earlier this year to ensure smoother operations next season.

The Mandalam period involves 41 to 48 days of austerity and spiritual observance by devotees and culminates with the Makaravilakku festival, marking the formal conclusion of the pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.

PTI