Millions in Devotion: Sabarimala Embarks on Mandala Pilgrimage with Enhanced Controls

Updated: November 16, 2025 17:05

Image Source: The Hawk

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple opened on November 16, 2025, for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season with strict crowd management and security measures. Over 22 lakh pilgrims have booked online darshan slots, with additional spot bookings allowed. Enhanced parking, transportation, and mobile restrictions ensure smooth and sacred celebrations.

The revered Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala opened its doors today at 5 pm, ushering in the much-awaited Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season. Drawing lakhs of devotees, the temple management has put stringent curbs and crowd control measures in place to ensure a safe and spiritual experience during one of the region’s most significant pilgrimage periods.

Key Highlights:

Massive Pilgrim Turnout: Online darshan bookings crossed the 22 lakh mark, indicating immense devotion and anticipation. To accommodate more devotees, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) authorized 20,000 additional daily spot bookings at key centres like Pampa, Nilakkal, and Erumeli.

Extended Temple Hours & Festivals: The hill shrine will remain open for nearly 18 hours daily during the Mandala puja season beginning November 17, with the Mandala Pooja on December 27 and the grand Makaravilakku festival on January 14. Temple timings may extend on peak days to manage crowds.

Strict Security & Restrictions: A robust deployment of 18,741 police personnel spans the pilgrimage path, alongside traffic and parking management. Road closures on December 27 and stringent prohibitions on mobile phones, photography, and videography inside the temple inner sanctum heighten security and sanctity.

Expanded Infrastructure & Transport: Parking capacities at Nilakkal and Erumeli have been augmented to hold about 14,000 vehicles. Additional special bus services and trains facilitate the smooth travel of pilgrims from various parts of the country.

Rituals and Ceremonies: The temple’s traditional pujas and abhishekams continue with the newly installed Melsanthi leading prayers and rituals, enhancing the spiritual ambience and religious fervor of the season.

The opening of the Sabarimala temple marks the official beginning of an important religious milestone for millions of devotees, blending deep faith with meticulous planning and safety protocols to accommodate the fervent pilgrimage safely.

Sources: IANS, The Hans India, New Indian Express, Facebook, Mid-Day

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