Nearly two lakh pilgrims reached Sabarimala within 48 hours, overwhelming crowd-control measures and causing long delays, water shortages, and safety concerns. Authorities imposed restrictions while opposition leaders accused the state government and TDB of failing to ensure basic facilities
Sabarimala is set to begin its 41-day Mandala pilgrimage, with the shrine opening Sunday evening. Extensive preparations—water supply, sanitation, medical centres, and virtual queue controls—are in place. New melshanthis will be installed as TDB’s new president vows transparent temple administration
The temple was closed at 6.30 am after the darshan of Thrikkettanal Rajaraja Varma, a representative of the Pandalam Royal family. According to preliminary estimates by the TDB, approximately 53 lakh devotees visited Sabarimala during this season
According to the police, the suspects entered the temple located on the main road and tried to break open the collection box and steal the money, but as they could not succeed, took it along with them on the bike.
