Devotees Throng Sabarimala as Annual Pilgrimage Season Commences
Posted on: 17/Nov/2023 11:31:52 AM
In a fervent display of devotion, hundreds of devotees are currently flocking to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala as the portals of the hill shrine open for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakkku pilgrimage. The 41-day pilgrimage season is set to commence on Friday, marking the auspicious beginning of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam. Under the guidance of the temple `tantri` (head priest) Mahesh Mohanaru, the sanctum sanctorum is opened, with `melshanthi` (chief priest) K Jayaraman Namboothiri leading the rituals. The temple complex, `sannidhanam`, echoes with the chants of `swamiye saranam Ayyappa` as devotees undertake a strenuous trek through the traditional path from the base camp at Pampa to reach the hill shrine.
In anticipation of the official opening on Friday, Sabarimala and its premises are witnessing a substantial influx of devotees. The atmosphere is filled with spiritual fervor as the rituals are conducted with precision and dedication. The new `melshanthies` of the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples, P N Mahesh, and P G Murali, respectively, offer prayers at the shrines ahead of assuming their responsibilities tomorrow, adding to the sanctity of the pilgrimage`s commencement.
In readiness for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakkku pilgrimage at Sabarimala, cutting-edge technologies ensure a secure and efficient experience for devotees. A dynamic queue-control system manages crowd flow at `sannidhanam`, while informative video walls at Nilakkal, Pampa, and the temple complex provide real-time updates on crowd density. Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan underscores the establishment of emergency health centers at 15 locations along the route from Pampa to `sannidhanam`, prioritizing devotees` well-being. These technological enhancements reflect a commitment to a safe and streamlined pilgrimage.
