Security has been stepped up at Sabarimala two days ahead of the Makaravilakku, which marks the finale of the pilgrimage season as the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa continues to witness heavy rush of devotees.
About 3,000 police personnel have been deployed around the temple complex and at the base camp Pampa besides installing monitoring devices like scanners, metal detectors and hidden cameras at key localities to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of devotees. In addition to this, 200 personnel including commandos and bomb squad members are also keeping vigil at the temple premises.
A crowd-management plan has been put in place for the Makaravilakku on January 14 when a huge rush of devotees is expected to visit the temple, Inspector General Arunkumar Sinha said.
Restrictions would be imposed on trekking to the temple situated uphill from the afternoon on Makaravilakku day to ease the rush at Sannidhanam and ensure smooth passage of the procession carrying “holy jewels” to be adorned on the Lord’s idol before the Makarajyoti, celestial light, appearing on the eastern horizon.
Pilgrims had been advised not to climb up on the rooftops of buildings, or trees to witness the ‘jyoti’.
