Overview
- The sanctum sanctorum was opened at 5 p.m. by melsanthi E. D. Prasad in the presence of tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru.
- Ceremonies included receiving sacred ash and the key, prayers, and lighting the sacred fire before devotees were allowed to climb the 18 holy steps for darshan.
- The Makaravilakku observance is on January 14, with darshan permitted until 11 p.m. on January 19 and the shrine closing at 6:30 a.m. on January 20.
- Authorities detailed crowd-management measures including a 1,593-strong police deployment led by Crime Branch SP M. Krishnan, final cleaning by Fire and Rescue Services, revamped spot bookings capped at 5,000 and a 70,000 virtual queue, and regulation of pilgrim flow from Nilakkal.
- Tensions on the traditional Erumely forest route saw temporary restrictions, breaches and road blockades at points such as Koikkakkavu, Azhuthakkadavu and Perurthodu before police brought the situation under control.