Sabarimala, Kerala: The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees on January 14, 2025, as the Makaravilakku festival reached its peak. The annual event, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, draws thousands of pilgrims to the sacred hill shrine to partake in rituals and spiritual observances, making it one of the most significant events in the region's religious calendar.
The Makaravilakku Procession
The most anticipated moment of the Makaravilakku festival is the arrival of the 'Thiruvabharanam' (sacred jewels of Lord Ayyappa), which marks the commencement of the ritual. These sacred jewels, stored in three separate boxes, began their journey from the Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam on January 12. In accordance with tradition, the jewels travel across various temples before reaching Sabarimala, where they are finally received at the Sannidhanam on the evening of Makaravilakku day.
The procession, which is a major part of the celebrations, makes stops at several temples along the way, including Ayiroor Puthiyakavu, Pandithavalam, Cherianavattom, Neelimala, and Apachimedu. The devotees wait in anticipation as the procession moves towards the Sannidhanam, where it is received with great reverence. The priests then adorn the deity with the sacred jewels, completing the ritual with a traditional aarti.
Record-Breaking Pilgrimage Numbers
This year’s Makaravilakku season has seen a record number of devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine. From November 15, 2024, when the pilgrimage season began, until January 5, 2025, a total of 39,02,610 devotees visited the temple. The number marks an increase from last year's 35,12,691 visitors during the same period.
As the Makaravilakku festival period continued, the number of pilgrims surged. From December 30, 2024, when the Makaravilakku season officially began, up to January 13, 2025, around 6,22,849 people visited the shrine, with numbers expected to rise further during the final days of the festival.
Efforts for Safer Pilgrimage
To manage the large crowd and ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage experience, the Kerala government has implemented several measures this year. A new blueprint for the Sabarimala pilgrimage site, estimated at Rs 778.17 crore, was recently announced by Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The comprehensive plan includes improvements in safety, better crowd management, and the development of the Pampa region and trekking routes to elevate Sabarimala as a global heritage hub.
Additionally, to curb overcrowding, the Kerala government has introduced a limit on the number of pilgrims at the Sannidhanam temple during the festival. From January 8 to January 15, a cap of 5,000 pilgrims per day is enforced at the spot booking facility. Virtual queue bookings for Makaravilakku have been streamlined, with a maximum of 60,000 pilgrims allowed on January 12, 50,000 on January 13, and 40,000 on January 14, ensuring better management of the flow of devotees.
Global Interest in the Makaravilakku Festival
The Makaravilakku festival has not only attracted a large number of domestic pilgrims but also generated significant interest from around the world. This year, many international visitors are witnessing the spiritual grandeur of the event, further emphasizing its global significance. The Sabarimala Temple continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions, and the Makaravilakku festival remains a celebration of faith, tradition, and devotion.
As devotees continue to flock to the Sabarimala Temple, the Makaravilakku festival of 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of spirituality and the collective devotion of people from all walks of life. The event not only enriches the religious landscape of Kerala but also highlights the importance of safeguarding tradition while embracing modern advancements for a better pilgrimage experience.
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