SABARIMALA: Devotional start to the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage at Sabarimala. There is no rush and no need to wait long for darshan. One can comfortably ascend the holy steps without any hassles.

Owing to Covid restrictions, the pilgrims are less in number. The doors of the sanctum sanctorum was opened by the new Mel Santhi (chief priest) VK Jayaraj Potti. After the Nirmalya Darshan and the Ashtabhishekam, Ganapati Homa was performed in the East Mandapam by Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru. This marked the beginning of the Neyyabhishekam for the pilgrimage season. The Udayasthama Puja, which had been suspended in previous years, started from 8 am to 9 am. The noon pooja followed. At this time, less than ten pilgrims were present. The walk reopened at 4 p.m. After the Deeparadhana, Padipooja was performed. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Devaswom Board President Adv. N. Vasu, members Adv. KS Ravi, Adv. N. Vijayakumar, Special Commissioner G. Manoj, I.G. P. Vijayan and others came for darshan. Only a thousand people are allowed to visit every day except Saturday and Sunday. Two thousand people can visit on Saturdays and Sundays. Pilgrims are allowed to trek the hill from Pamba only till 7 pm.

986 pilgrims reached Sabarimala till 4 pm yesterday.