With the annual pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple set to begin, authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to their allotted time slots in the virtual queue booking system to prevent crowding and ensure smooth darshan.
In an official statement, Pathanamthitta District Police Chief R. Anand said virtual queue booking was essential for this year’s pilgrimage. “The number of spot bookings is limited and cannot accommodate all devotees arriving without prior virtual queue bookings. Those arriving without a slot may face inconvenience and prolonged waiting times,” he said.
The police warned that unregulated arrivals could disrupt crowd management, affect the smooth flow of devotees, and create safety concerns. Pilgrims therefore should secure a virtual queue slot before starting their journey. Those from other States should plan their arrival to match their allotted time.
To ensure a safe pilgrimage, authorities have also issued a detailed list of dos and don’ts. Devotees are advised to rest for five minutes after every 10 minutes of walking during the climb and use the traditional path via Marakoottam, Saramkuthy, and Nadapanthal to reach the Sannidhanam. They must follow the queue system while approaching the 18 holy steps and use the Nadapanthal flyover for the return journey.
Pilgrims have been urged to use toilets and latrines, pay for dolly services only at official counters, and cooperate fully during security checks. In case of any difficulty, they may approach the police or call the 24-hour helpline at 14432 for assistance in case of vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, threat from animal, thefts, or missing persons.
Devotees should purchase food only from licensed vendors, keep the pilgrimage routes and premises clean, park vehicles in designated areas, and make use of medical centres and oxygen parlours when needed. Children, elderly devotees, and malikapurams (young girls) must wear identification cards with contact details, and anyone separated from their group should report to the nearest police aid post.
Authorities also outlined strict restrictions to maintain order and safety. Devotees are prohibited from using mobile phones within the temple premises, smoking, consuming alcohol or drugs, jumping queues, rushing, carrying weapons, entertaining unauthorised vendors, or engaging in unhygienic practices such as urinating or defecating outside designated areas.
Making extra payments for services, leaving waste outside bins, breaking coconuts on the 18 holy steps, or kneeling on the steps is forbidden; offerings should be made only at designated spots on either side of the steps. Pilgrims are also warned against using unauthorised return routes, resting at Upper Thirumuttam, spreading mats along pathways, or leaving clothes in the Pampa river.
Published – November 11, 2025 08:14 pm IST
