Sabarimala: Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala Temple through the virtual queue system are advised to arrive on the day they have booked, said Sannidhanam Special Police Officer (SO) R Sreekumar.

Spot bookings are also being issued from Nilakkal based on the crowd at Sannidhanam. Bookings exceeding 5,000 pilgrims are allowed in consultation with the Special Commissioner, with an average of up to 8,500 spot bookings granted daily. On Tuesday, 8,800 spot bookings had been issued by 3 pm.

Even if virtual bookings starting at 12 am exceed 5,000, additional spot bookings are allocated depending on the crowd management at Sannidhanam. While an average of 80 devotees can ascend the steps per minute, the pace may be slower for differently-abled pilgrims, the elderly, children, overweight devotees, and those requiring assistance to climb the pathinettam padi.

"Approximately 2,500 pilgrims arrive daily via the Pulmedu, in addition to those officially climbing the pathinettam padi. Many others visit for civil darshan, while thousands of employees of the Sannidhanam and shop workers visit the shrine", he added.