PATHANAMTHITTA: In response to escalating pilgrim numbers at Sabarimala, an increase in darshan time by one hour has been sanctioned. Effective from 3 pm today, the extended hours aim to accommodate the burgeoning influx of devotees.

The decision to extend the darshan hours was the outcome of discussions between Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan and Thanthri Kantar Mahesh Mohanar. The Devaswom Board affirmed its commitment to cater to all Ayyappa devotees arriving at Sabarimala.

In correspondence with Temple Thanthri Kandarar Mahesh Mohan, the Devaswom Board communicated the fervent demand from devotees to prolong the darshan time. Consequently, the decision to extend the hours was made by the Tantri considering the requisites outlined by the Devaswom Board, government directives, and court stipulations.

Melshanti PN Mahesh Namboothiri duly opened the temple road at 3 pm initiating the implementation of the revised darshan schedule granting devotees 18 hours daily for darshan.

Recognizing that the crisis is not solely attributed to the volume of devotees ascending the 18th step, the Devaswom Board posits a different cause. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities advocate for ceasing on-the-spot bookings and implementing stricter control measures for pilgrims. Plans to potentially increase the virtual queue to 80,000 remain pending with ongoing traffic control measures already in place along the Erumeli-Nilakkal route.