Sabarimala Temple Reopens for Two-Month Pilgrimage with Strict Entry Controls
Over 90,000 devotees expected daily as temple authorities tighten access and enhance facilities.
The Sabarimala hill shrine in Kerala opened on Sunday evening for the annual two-month-long pilgrimage season, marking the beginning of one of South India’s most significant religious gatherings. The temple was opened by outgoing chief priest (melsanthi) Arunkumar Nampoothiri in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru at 5 pm. The appointment ceremony for the new melsanthi, E D Prasad Nampoothiri, followed soon after, with the formal installation rituals led by the thantri.
The rituals included the sacred kalasabhishekam and the traditional moolantram initiation performed in front of the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). As part of Sabarimala’s custom, no other ceremonial rites were performed inside the shrine during the transition. Several officials, including Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar, MLA Pramod Narayan, and board members P Raju and Santhosh Kumar, attended the event.
In light of the large turnout of pilgrims, the TDB imposed controlled entry measures. A total of 39,000 virtual queue passes and another 20,000 spot passes were issued for the day. Thousands of devotees thronged Pampa and the temple approach routes, causing long queues that extended up to Saramkuthi. From Monday, the authorities plan to permit up to 90,000 devotees daily—70,000 through online registration and 20,000 via spot passes—to manage the heavy rush.
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To ensure smooth darshan for all visitors, the temple administration announced extended operating hours. The shrine will remain open for 18 hours each day, from 3 am to 1 pm and again from 3 pm to 11 pm. Enhanced crowd-control measures, adequate lighting, and medical assistance have been set up at key points along the trekking path and temple precincts.
TDB president K Jayakumar emphasized that every effort has been made to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage. Speaking to reporters before joining the trek to the temple, he said that uninterrupted drinking water facilities and other essential services have been arranged at Sannidhanam. The board urged devotees to follow safety protocols and cooperate with authorities for a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage season.
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