Ayyappa devotee collapses and dies on way to Sabarimala Temple

PATHANAMTHITTA: An Ayyappa devotee collapsed and died in Sabarimala. The dead is Murukachari of Vijayapuram in Andhra Pradesh. He collapsed near Neelimala last evening while ascending Sabarimala. Although he was given primary treatment, his life could not be saved. The body will be taken home after completing the formalities.

Meantime, the first holiday after the temple opened for the Mandalakala pilgrimage, there was less crowd at the Sannidhanam. Pilgrims returned yesterday after having a good darshan. Even when the temple is closed, pilgrims are allowed to climb the 18th step. They were made to stand at the north gate and are allowed to enter first when the temple opens. Only a small rush is being witnessed when the temple opened in the morning.

In the last three days, 1,51,977 people came for darshan. This is the figure as of 7 pm yesterday. On Friday, when the temple opened, 30,687 people came from 4 pm to 11 pm.
30,000 people booked through the virtual queue that day. Of these, 26,942 people had darshan. On Saturday, 59,624 people reached the Sannidhanam through virtual queue and 5,862 people through spot booking. Virtual queue booking was 70,000 yesterday. Till 7 pm, 55,804 people had darshan. Of these, 51,210 people came through virtual queue and 4,594 people through spot booking.