As Sabarimala gears up for the grand Makaravilak festival, preparations are in full swing to ensure a seamless experience for devotees. The sanctum (Nada) will open tomorrow at 5 PM, marking the commencement of the festival season. Authorities aim to replicate the success of the Mandalakalam pilgrimage, which concluded smoothly and without grievances. Extensive cleaning efforts from Sannidhanam to Nilakkal were undertaken by teams comprising employees from the Devaswom Board, Police, Fire Force, Revenue departments, and dedicated volunteers, under the leadership of Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan.
To further facilitate the influx of pilgrims, the number of spot booking counters at Pampa is being increased from seven to ten. A special counter has been designated exclusively for senior citizens above 60 years, ensuring their convenience. These enhancements were decided in a review meeting chaired by the Devaswom Minister in Pathanamthitta.
The ceremonial opening of the Nada will be conducted by Melshanti Arun Kumar Namboothiri, in the presence of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and Kandararu Brahmadathan. Rituals, including lighting the sacred lamp at Srilakam and the Aazhi fire below the Pathinettam Padi, will follow before pilgrims begin their ascent.
The Thiruvabharanam procession will depart from Pandalam Valiyakoikkal Sri Dharmasastha Kshetram on the 12th, leading to Makaravilakku on the 14th. The day will feature Diparadhana and Makaravilak darshan during Makara Sankrama Sandhya after offering the Thiruvabharanam. Pilgrims can perform Neyyabhishekam until the 18th and continue their visits until the 19th. The Valiya Guruthy Pooja at Malikappuram will conclude the festival on the night of the 19th, followed by the closure of the Nada on the morning of the 20th after the ceremonial darshan of the Pandalam King’s representative.
With enhanced facilities and meticulous planning, Sabarimala is ready to offer a spiritually enriching and well-organized pilgrimage experience for devotees attending the auspicious Makaravilak festival.
