PATHANAMTHITTA: Sabarimala temple is set to open its gates tomorrow at 5 pm marking the commencement of the Mandala-Makaravilakku Pilgrimage. Extensive preparations have been made including the implementation of a dynamic queue control system to manage crowds effectively. Attendees will receive guidance through video updates at busy stops and congregation areas within Sannidhanam.

The temple, adorned with gold, features a brass gate, polished lamps and bell along with freshly painted buildings. In a bid to ensure pilgrims' comfort, 300 drinking water taps have been installed. Water reservoirs totaling 2.5 crore liters at Pandithavalam and Saramkuthi have been filled aided by a temporary barrage constructed at Kakkiyar to facilitate water supply to the Pampa.

Facilities have been bolstered with 132 toilets at Sannidhanam and hospitals equipped with ICU facilities. Cardiology centers are set up at Appachemedu and Neelimala, accompanied by 15 emergency treatment centers along the Pampa to Sannidhanam route. Additionally, eco-shops will line the traditional forest trails, with 75 forest guards deployed to ensure safety along these paths.

Innovative measures include the introduction of FASTag for parking at Nilakkal and postal delivery services for "Swami Prasad" across India. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has commenced operations at Pampa and Nilakkal, offering 473 buses until the first week of December, followed by increased services up to Makaravilakku. Special services will be extended to pilgrims arriving in groups upon request.

Tomorrow's ceremony will witness the arrival of appointed Sabarimala Melshanthi Muvattupuzha Enanallur Puthillathmana PN Mahesh and the appointed Malikappuram Melshanthi Thrissur Thozhiyur Vadakkekkottu Pookattumana PG Murali at Sannidhanam with the ceremonial Irumudikettu. The current Melshanti K Jayaraman Namboothiri will receive them and guide them to Sannidhanam.

During the induction ceremony, Tantri Kantar Mahesh Mohan will perform the Kalasabhishekam and enthrone PN Mahesh as the chief priest following which PG Murali will also be inducted as Melashanti at Malikappuram.

Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan has emphasized that all places of worship including Devaswom Board and private temples, should extend facilities to Sabarimala pilgrims.