The traditional forest road connecting Sathram to Sabarimala closed on Monday after the end of the pilgrimage season. This year, the route witnessed a massive surge in devotees during the Mandala-Makaravilakku period.
According to Director Azhutha Range Officer D. Benny, a total of 2,02,806 pilgrims have taken the traditional forest route to Sannidhanam this season. Besides, 3,056 pilgrims used the Sathram route for the return journey after visiting the hill shrine.
“Compared to the previous year, the number of pilgrims using this forest path has almost doubled,” Mr Benny said. “The forest department has ensured that food and drinking water are available to all the devotees throughout the season,” the official said.
According to officials, three pilgrims lost their lives due to heart problems during the trek. While there were several encounters with wild animals on the route, Mr. Benny said there were no casualties due to the timely intervention of forest officials.
In the previous year, according to officials, a total of 1,32,528 pilgrims passed this route. In the 2024 pilgrimage season, 1.42 million devotees traveled the Sathram route.
Published – 19 Jan 2026 21:07 IST
