Sabarimala temple closing delayed due to unprecedented rush, strict security at Sannidhanam and Pamba

PATHANAMTHITTA: Due to the huge rush of devotees at Sabarimala, the sanctum sanctorum was closed late than normal time on Friday. A long queue of devotees extending for kilometres was witnessed in the temple premises yesterday. Considering the rush, the sanctum sanctorum was closed on Friday with Harivarasanam hymn only at 11:25 pm. Even at that time, a huge crowd were stationed near the holy 18 steps from the big walkthrough to Sharamkuthi.

The devotees were allowed to climb the steps only after the sanctum opened today at 3 am. The police security check has been strengthened everywhere. Strict regulations were imposed for the ghee anointing ceremony, too. The pilgrims cannot directly give the ghee to the holy sanctum.

Police have provided strong security at Sannidhanam and Pamba. The security apparatus in the temple premises this year is unprecedented. The tractor transportation from Pamba to Sannidhanam was affected today considering the rush. The tractor with milk to the devaswom mess was also stopped.