SABARIMALA: Devotees had pleasant darshan at Sabarimala yesterday, when the temple opened for Meenam month pooja. The new system devised by the Devaswom Board for darshan was implemented from yesterday. Those who climb the 18th step are now being allowed to pass through the flagpole and the 'Balikal Mandapam' directly to the front of the temple instead of letting them through the flyover.

Pilgrims had darshan for 30 to 50 seconds. The new system also helped control the crowd. Yesterday at 5 pm, in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan, Melshanthi S. Arunkumar Namboothiri opened the temple and lit the lamp. Then, devotees were allowed to climb the steps after descending the 18th step and lighting a fire in the 'Aazhi'. When the temple was opened, Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth, member Adv. Ajikumar, Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan, and ADGP S. Sreejith were present at the Sopanam. The temple will open at 5 am today and the Meenam month poojas will begin. The poojas will be completed and the temple will close at 10 pm on the 19th.