New facility in Sabarimala temple where 16 thousand devotees can take rest at the same time

Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Facilities for 16,000 Devotees to Rest Simultaneously

As the Mandala season pilgrimage at Sabarimala is set to begin on November 16, extensive arrangements have been made to accommodate the large number of devotees expected to visit the sacred shrine. With facilities for drinking water, rest areas, and temporary shelters, authorities have geared up to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for pilgrims during this busy period.

Accommodation Facilities for Devotees

Temporary rest facilities have been set up at key locations like Nilakkal and Pampa to accommodate up to 16,000 devotees simultaneously.

Nilakkal

• Temporary Sheds: Five temporary sheds have been erected at Nilakkal, capable of providing rest for 5,000 devotees at a time.
• Mahadevar Temple Premises: The premises of the Mahadevar Temple in Nilakkal can host about 1,000 devotees for rest.
• German Tent: A large German tent has been installed near the Nilakkal bus stand, offering space for an additional 3,000 devotees to rest comfortably.

Pampa

• New Queue Complexes: Four newly constructed queue complexes at Pampa have the capacity to accommodate 4,000 devotees. These complexes provide shaded areas and seating arrangements for pilgrims waiting to proceed towards the temple.
• Temporary Tents: Three temporary tents have been set up at Pampa, offering rest facilities for around 3,000 devotees.
• Rest Rooms for Women: Special rest rooms have been established for women devotees at Pampa, providing them with a safe and comfortable resting area.

Arrangements for Devotees in Queue

To assist devotees standing in line for darshan, hot water will be provided through pipe systems to offer relief during the cold season. Additionally, snacks such as biscuits and herbal hot water (Sukku Vennir) will be distributed to ensure the pilgrims remain energized and warm.

Transport Facilities

The Kerala government has granted permission for Tamil Nadu government buses to operate directly from Pampa, allowing devotees a more convenient travel option. Previously, due to the severe floods in 2018, vehicle access was restricted only up to Nilakkal. However, following requests from the Tamil Nadu government, buses are now allowed to reach the Pampa bus station. This arrangement enables pilgrims to board Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses directly from Pampa, ensuring a hassle-free return journey. This decision has brought relief and joy to devotees from Tamil Nadu, who can now travel back home more conveniently.

Efforts to Enhance Pilgrim Experience

Authorities have implemented several measures to improve the experience of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala during the Mandala season. Key initiatives include:

1. Sanitation Facilities: Additional restrooms have been constructed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, ensuring hygienic and clean facilities.
2. Separate Rest Areas for Women: Dedicated rest areas have been set up for women devotees, enhancing their safety and comfort during the pilgrimage.
3. Transport Arrangements: The provision of TNSTC buses at the Pampa bus station allows a smooth transit for devotees, reducing the wait time and facilitating easier access back to their home state.

Importance of the Mandala Pooja Season

The Mandala Pooja season is a significant time for Ayyappa devotees, marking a period of intense spiritual preparation and pilgrimage. Many devotees observe strict penance and fasting for 41 days before making their journey to Sabarimala. The Mandala season attracts millions of devotees from across the country, making it one of the most crowded periods at the shrine.

This year, to ensure a better experience for the devotees, the Kerala government, in collaboration with the Travancore Devaswom Board and voluntary organizations, has enhanced the infrastructure and facilities. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that devotees have a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling spiritual journey.

The preparations reflect a commitment to providing a well-organized and efficient pilgrimage experience, offering a sense of unity and devotion among the millions who visit Sabarimala each year.