Decision to extend darshan for an hour in Sabarimala, more arrangements for parking in Nilakkal

PATHANAMTHITTA: As the devotees waited for more than twelve hours to have a glimpse of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, a decision has been taken to extend the darshan time by an hour. The decision was taken at the high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister. Daily darshan will be limited to 90,000 to ensure satisfactory darshan for Sabarimala pilgrims. It has also been decided to provide more facilities for parking at Nilakkal. Devaswom Minister also attended the meeting.

It was decided yesterday to extend the darshan time by half an hour on rush days and close the sanctum sanctorum after singing Harivarasanam at 11.30 pm. Usually the temple closes at 11 pm. Devaswom Board President K Anantha Gopan had yesterday asserted that the darshan time was extended after consulting the tantri and melshanti.
With the heavy rush witnessed, the temple will be opened half an hour earlier at 3 pm.

Devotees will be allowed to pass in a single line in front of the shrine when the pushpabhishekam and ashtabhishekam offerings take place. Presently, only devotees who offer offerings are allowed to enter. There was less rush yesterday compared to previous days.