Sabarimala Temple to Reopen at 5 p.m. on Dec. 30 for Makaravilakku

Overview

• The sanctum sanctorum will be opened at 5 p.m. on December 30 by melsanthi E. D. Prasad in the presence of tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, the Travancore Devaswom Board said.
• Pilgrims may ascend the Pathinettam Padi after the lighting of the azhi at the Sannidhanam.
• Health officials have activated reserve doctor rosters, stationed medical teams at key points from Pampa Hilltop to Valiyanavattam, and will deploy 27 more ambulances in addition to 12 already in service.
• Multi-agency cleaning operations led by the TDB, police, excise and Visuddhi Sena have cleared routes including Swami Ayyappan Road, the Neelimala–Sabaripeedh stretch, Pampa surroundings and paths to the temple.
• The Mandalam season that ended December 27 recorded 36.33 lakh darshans and ₹332.77 crore in income, with authorities expecting heavy turnout through the Makaravilakku ritual on January 14, 2026.