Tight Security Arrangements at Sabarimala for Makaravilakku :Around 2,000 Police Personnel Deployed
In connection with the Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival, extensive security arrangements have been put in place at the Sannidhanam, said Sannidhanam Police Special Officer S. Sujith Das. Devotees have been advised to strictly follow all security guidelines issued by the police.
Nearly 2,000 police personnel will be deployed on Makaravilakku day. At present, under the supervision of 11 Deputy Superintendents of Police, 34 Circle Inspectors and 1,489 Civil Police Officers, totaling 1,534 personnel, are on duty at Sannidhanam. An additional 500 police officers will arrive on January 13.
The Special Officer stated that devotees must cooperate with police instructions to ensure smooth darshan of the Makara Jyothi and safe descent from the hill.
Entry Restrictions and Timings
As per the High Court directive, entry to Sannidhanam on Makaravilakku day has been restricted to:
30,000 devotees through Virtual Queue
5,000 devotees through Spot Booking
From 10:00 AM, devotees will not be allowed to proceed from Nilakkal to Pampa, and from 11:00 AM, entry from Pampa to Sannidhanam will be stopped.
Thiruvabharanam Procession
The sacred Thiruvabharanam procession will reach Sharankuthi by 5:30 PM via the traditional forest route. The procession is under tight security arrangements and is expected to reach Sannidhanam around 6:20 PM, followed by Deeparadhana.
Devotees are strictly instructed not to touch the Thiruvabharanam casket and not to create congestion along the procession route.
Makara Jyothi Viewing Guidelines
Devotees must view the Makara Jyothi from designated viewpoints such as Pandithavalam, Sharankuthi, and U-Turn points. Cooking, spreading mats, or creating risky situations in forest or hilltop areas is strictly prohibited.
After Makara Jyothi darshan, devotees are advised not to rush while returning to Pampa. Adequate KSRTC bus services have been arranged, and devotees must board buses in queues.
Designated Return Routes
Three routes have been designated for the safe return of pilgrims:
From Pandithavalam via the rear of the Darshan Complex, Koprakkalam, Tractor Road to KSEB Junction.
From Pandithavalam Junction via Malikappuram slope, Police Barracks, Bailey Bridge to Chandranandan Road.
Through the central pathway of the Nadappanthal to KSEB Junction.
Police aim to guide devotees in segments through these routes to prevent accidents.
Fire and Rescue Services on High Alert
The Fire and Rescue Services at Sannidhanam are fully prepared to handle emergencies during the Makaravilakku festival. Under the leadership of Fire & Rescue Special Officer Arun Bhaskar, a team comprising station officers, mechanics, drivers, senior fire officers, firefighters, and 50 Civil Defence volunteers is on duty.
Additionally, 10 trained scuba divers are stationed at Pampa for water rescue operations.
Fire and rescue teams have been deployed at 13 major viewpoints, supported by 31 vehicles, including fire tenders, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and first response vehicles.
Forest Department Strengthens Safety Measures
The Forest Department has made extensive arrangements to ensure safety during the Makaravilakku festival. To secure the forest route used by the Thiruvabharanam procession, a temporary footbridge has been constructed across the Pampa River, and barricades have been installed at vulnerable locations.
An additional 120 forest personnel have been deployed in Pampa, Pulmedu, and Sannidhanam areas. Cleaning activities are supported by the Eco Development Committee (EDC) with 136 local volunteers.
A special control room has been set up under the Pampa headquarters to handle emergencies.
📞 Forest Department Helpline: 04735 203492
Devotees are strictly advised to view the Makara Jyothi only from authorized locations. Unauthorized entry into forest areas, climbing trees, or cooking inside forest regions is strictly prohibited, officials warned.
