Pathanamthitta: Sabarimala is set to receive devotees as the Makaravilakku festivities draw near. Prior to the Makara Samkrama pooja (the moment of Sun’s transit from the Dhanu rasi to the Makaram rasi), a thorough inspection was conducted by senior police officers under the leadership of the State Police Chief, Sheikh Darvesh Saheb.
To ensure the safety of devotees and maintain order, an additional 1,000 policemen have been deployed in the region, spanning from Pamba to Pullumedu. Embracing technology for enhanced surveillance, drones have been introduced to monitor the area during Makaravilakku.
The Director General of Police (DGP) said that “the additional 1,000 police officers, consisting of four Superintendent of Police (SP), 19 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), and 15 Inspectors, have been stationed at key locations such as Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, and Pandithavalam.”
Under the guidance of Thanthri, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, and Melshanthi ( chief priest) P.N Mahesh Namboothiri, purification rites included ‘praasada shuddhi kriya’ and associated poojas were conducted ahead of the Makaravilakku festival. Tomorrow, ‘bimba shudhi kriya’ and other essential rituals are scheduled to take place.
Meanwhile, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of devotees at Sannidhanam in the last few days. To manage congestion and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, the virtual queue has been limited to 50,000.
Adding to the spiritual fervour, the procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam for Lord Ayyappan commenced its journey from Pandalam yesterday. Pilgrims eagerly await its arrival at Sannidhanam tomorrow evening.
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