Sabarimala teem with devotees, darshan hours extended

PATHANAMTHITTA: Darshan time at Sabarimala has been extended by three hours considering the big inflow of devotees to the holy hills. From Saturday, instead of 1 pm, the temple will close only at 3 pm. The temple will open at 4 pm, instead of the earlier practiced norm of 5 pm. This will provide an additional three hours for pilgrimage and is said to benefit the devotees.

The Devaswom board made arrangements to provide Chukku Vellam (Dry ginger water) to devotees at the starting point of the 18 divine steps leading to the holy shrine. The accommodation facilities at Sannidhanam are in shambles as the Sabari Guest House, Staff Quarters and Pilgrim Centers are under renovation.

The inept attitude of officials that failed to ensure basic facilities like accommodation to devotees amidst a busy pilgrimage season has already started receiving flak from many quarters. There is also an allegation about a dearth of police force in controlling rush. Only 170 policemen are currently on duty.