PATHANAMTHITTA: Pilgrims who underwent strict Vrath(vegetarian regimen) for their visit to the holy shrine in Sabarimala were left dejected on Tuesday after many had to return without having Darshan as the rush swelled up leading to a stampede-like situation. To reach Pamba from Nilakkal, the devotees blocked buses while many broke the windows to wriggle inside.

The restrictions put in place to control the rush turned out to be a disaster. This forced the police officials to allow devotees to climb the 18 holy steps even though the temple was closed. As of now, the 18 holy steps will be closed for only one hour during the cleansing work.

Travancore Devaswom board president P S Prashanth admitted lapse in the arrangements. Devotees waiting at Nilakkal, Pamba, Appachimedu and Neelimala breached the security measures and walked towards Pamba from Nilakkal.

At Nilakkal, women and children had to stand in the hot sun for hours. The windows of the bus were broken after the KSRTC reduced the number of buses. Children screamed in fear after getting separated from their parents. Those trapped in Nilakkal, Elavungal and Kanamala areas had to suffer some horrid hours without food and water.

The High Court said that the movement of vehicles should be controlled through the hold and release system. The court also asked officials to ensure that the devotees receive food and water.