Hundreds of devotees thronged the famous Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, marking the first day of the Malayalam month ‘Vrischikam’ and the commencement of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
Traditional attire in black dominated the scene as pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond queued for hours to offer prayers. The temple opened its portals at 3 a.m. under the supervision of the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, accompanied by chants of hymns dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
The ceremony attracted the attention of several key figures, including tantri (head priest) Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). TDB officials reported a significant influx of pilgrims even before dawn.
Among the officials present were Devaswom Board Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti and Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju. Long queues formed across the nadapandal (covered walkway) and the holy sopanam (steps) as devotees eagerly awaited their turn.
After the sanctum sanctorum opened, a series of rituals commenced, including Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam. The temple will close at 1 p.m., reopen at 3 p.m., and then close again at 11 p.m. following the chanting of “Harivarasanam,” the sacred lullaby of Lord Ayyappa.
The temple had initially been ceremonially opened on Sunday evening in preparation for the extensive two-month pilgrimage season. This season is expected to attract devotees not only from India but from around the world, highlighting the temple’s longstanding cultural significance.
The installation ceremony for the new melsanthi of both the Sabarimala and Malikappuram temples took place on Sunday. In a proactive measure to manage the expected large turnout, the TDB has limited the daily number of pilgrims to 90,000. This includes provisions for 70,000 devotees through a virtual queue system and 20,000 through spot booking.
Officials emphasize the importance of adhering to the daily cap to ensure a smooth and spiritual experience for all visiting pilgrims. With the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season in full swing, both local and state authorities remain vigilant, implementing all necessary measures for the safety and comfort of devotees.
