Sabarimala temple opens for annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season

Sabarimala Mandalam Season Begins

The Sabarimala hill shrine opened on Sunday evening, marking the beginning of the annual two-month Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The temple was opened at 5 pm by outgoing melsanthi Arunkumar Nampoothiri, whose one-year term concluded with the closure of the sreekovil later in the evening, in the presence of thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru.

New Melsanthi E D Prasad Nampoothiri Installed

A key highlight of the day was the ceremonial installation of the new melsanthi, E D Prasad Nampoothiri, at 6 pm under the leadership of the thantri. The ritual commenced with kalasabhishekam performed in front of the sreekovil, followed by the traditional moolantram ceremony. As per temple custom, no additional rituals were held inside the sanctum.

The new melsanthi will officially assume charge on Monday at 3 pm, when the sreekovil opens for the next phase of darshan.

Officials including Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar, MLA Pramod Narayan, and board members P Raju and Santhosh Kumar attended the ceremony.

59,000 Devotee Entries on Opening Day

Devotee entry was regulated with 39,000 virtual queue passes and 20,000 spot passes issued on Sunday. The Valiyanadapandal remained fully packed, with queues stretching up to Saramkuthi. At Pampa, thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Manappuram and flyover areas even before entry gates opened.

From Monday onwards, up to 90,000 devotees will be allowed daily — 70,000 via online passes and 20,000 spot passes.

Temple to Remain Open for 18 Hours Daily

To manage the expected surge in pilgrim footfall, Sabarimala will operate in two extended phases:

• 3 am to 1 pm
• 3 pm to 11 pm

This ensures a total of 18 hours of darshan time every day.

TDB President: “Pilgrimage Should Be Trouble-Free”

Speaking to reporters before commencing his trek to Sabarimala, newly appointed TDB president K Jayakumar said that comprehensive arrangements have been completed at Sannidhanam.

“All essential facilities, including a continuous supply of drinking water for pilgrims, are in place. The pilgrimage should go on smoothly without any difficulties for devotees,” he said.

The TDB has also reinforced crowd management, sanitation systems, and medical support to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage season.