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
The HC directing the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to take action against those found illegally charging Lord Ayappa devotees visiting Sabarimala temple for the 'pottukuthal' ritual
The protests came days after a surge in pilgrims strained the crowd management system in the hill temple, causing long queues and several hours of waiting for the pilgrims to get the Darshan.