Sabarimala records lowest footfall of season after strict curbs
On Thursday, many pilgrims were unable to secure slots despite waiting for long hours at Nilakkal.
On Thursday, many pilgrims were unable to secure slots despite waiting for long hours at Nilakkal.
On Thursday, many pilgrims were unable to secure slots despite waiting for long hours at Nilakkal.
Pathanamthitta: The rush of devotees for ‘darshan’ at the Lord Ayyappa Temple eased on Thursday after authorities imposed strict restrictions. As a result, the Valiya Nadappanthal near the Pathinettampadi (18 holy steps) was only half full during the uchhapooja.
Thursday saw the lowest footfall at the shrine since its reopening for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season this year. Restrictions were tightened following the Kerala High Court's intervention, which noted the near-stampede-like situation at the temple on Tuesday and issued directives to curb overcrowding.
Following the court’s order, spot booking was capped at 5,000 devotees per day. Currently, the facility is available only at Nilakkal and Vandiperiyar–Sathram, as the spot booking counters at Pamba, Erumeli and Chengannur have been closed.
On Thursday, many pilgrims were unable to secure slots despite waiting for long hours at Nilakkal. The spot booking centre at Vandiperiyar–Sathram caters to devotees taking the Pullumedu route.
Meanwhile, 70,000 pilgrims can offer prayers through the virtual queue system. As no slots are available in the virtual queue system until December 12, those planning to visit before then must rely on spot booking. With uncertainty about the possibility of obtaining darshan without virtual queue booking, many devotees postponed their visits, leading to reduced crowds at the temple.
Karnataka seeks action
In a related development, the Karnataka Chief Secretary has sent a letter to the Kerala government requesting that adequate measures be taken to ensure devotees have a safe darshan at the shrine.