As the annual pilgrimage season begins at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to their allotted time slots in the virtual queue reservation system to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth darshan.
In an official statement, Pathanamthitta District Superintendent of Police R. Anand said virtual queue booking is essential for this year’s pilgrimage. “Seats are limited and cannot accommodate all the devotees who arrive without prior reservation in the virtual queue. Those who arrive without a slot may face inconvenience and longer waiting times,” he said.
Police warned that unregulated arrivals could disrupt crowd control, affect the smooth flow of devotees and create security concerns. Pilgrims should therefore secure a virtual queue before starting their journey. Those from other states should plan their arrival to match their allotted time.
To ensure a safe pilgrimage, the authorities have also issued a detailed list of dos and don’ts. Devotees are advised to rest for five minutes after every 10 minutes of walking during the climb and take the traditional route via Marakoottam, Saramkuthy and Nadapanthal to reach the Sannidhanam. While approaching the 18 holy steps, one must follow the queue system and use the Nadapanthal flyover for the return journey.
Pilgrims were asked to use toilets and latrines, pay for cart services only at official counters and cooperate fully with security checks. In case of any difficulties, they can contact the police or call the 24-hour hotline 14432 for help in the event of a vehicle breakdown, medical emergency, animal threat, theft or disappearance.
Devotees should buy food only from licensed vendors, keep pilgrimage routes and premises clean, park vehicles in designated areas and use medical centers and oxygen parlors when necessary. Children, elderly devotees and malikapurams (young girls) must carry identification cards with contact details and anyone separated from their group should report to the nearest police station.
Authorities have also outlined strict restrictions to maintain order and security. Devotees are prohibited from using mobile phones on temple premises, smoking, consuming alcohol or drugs, jumping queues, speeding, carrying weapons, entertaining unauthorized vendors or engaging in unsanitary practices such as urinating or defecating outside designated areas.
It is forbidden to pay extra for services, leave waste outside the bins, break coconuts on the 18 holy steps or kneel on the steps; sacrifices should only be made at designated places on either side of the stairs. Pilgrims are also warned against using unauthorized back roads, resting at Upper Thirumuttam, spreading mats along the roads or leaving clothes in the Pampa River.
Published – 11 Nov 2025 20:14 IST
