Darshan time will not be extended at Sabarimala; virtual queue booking limit cut short

SABARIMALA: With the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple witnessing an uncontrollable rush of devotees, restrictions have been imposed at the temple. The number of people who can book through the virtual queue in a day has been reduced from 90,000 to 80,000. The restriction on booking was imposed after the High Court Devaswom bench asked if the darshan time could be extended by two more hours. The Devaswom Board had informed the High Court that the Tantri had said that the darshan time at Sabarimala could not be extended

Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan has given instructions to take immediate steps to resolve the massive crowding at Sabarimala due to the weekend holidays. It is reported that more police have been deployed at Sannidhanam and Pampa to control the crowd. The minister has instructed the police and the Devaswom authorities to quickly let in those who are queuing for darshan. The minister has also given instructions to arrange more health facilities and an ambulance for the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, a 10-year-old girl who came for Sabarimala darshan collapsed and died in Appachimedu on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Salem native Padmashri. The girl collapsed when she reached Appachimedu. Although she was rushed to the hospital, she could not be saved. The girl came for darshan with a group from Tamil Nadu. According to the police, the child had heart-related issues since she was three years old. The body is currently kept at Pampa General Hospital.