Sabarimala Temple Opens for Pilgrimage Season
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
The Sabarimala temple in Kerala has opened its doors to devotees, marking the beginning of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The outgoing head priest, PN Mahesh Namboothiri, performed the opening ceremony.
New Priests Take Charge
Newly appointed priests, S. Arun Kumar Namboothiri and Vasudevan Namboothiri, will assume their roles at the Ayyappa temple and the Malikappuram Devi temple, respectively.
Online Booking System
Kerala’s Devaswom Minister, VN Vasavan, addressed the legislative assembly regarding the online booking system for the pilgrimage. The system aims to regulate the number of pilgrims and ensure a smooth experience. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan expressed concerns, suggesting that many devotees might struggle with the online system, potentially preventing them from fulfilling their vows.
Government’s Response
Minister Vasavan explained that a virtual meeting led by the Chief Minister decided to limit daily pilgrims to 80,000 to prevent overcrowding. The government will use a virtual queue booking system to enhance safety and manage the pilgrimage effectively.
Doubts Revealed
Sabarimala Temple -: Sabarimala Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the state of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the country.
Mandalam-Makaravilakku -: Mandalam-Makaravilakku is a special pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala Temple. It usually occurs between November and January and includes important rituals and festivals for devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
PN Mahesh Namboothiri -: PN Mahesh Namboothiri is the outgoing head priest of the Sabarimala Temple. A head priest is responsible for performing important religious rituals and ceremonies at the temple.
Devaswom Minister -: The Devaswom Minister is a government official in Kerala responsible for managing temples and religious institutions. They ensure that temples are run smoothly and address any issues related to temple management.
VD Satheesan -: VD Satheesan is a political leader in Kerala, serving as the Opposition Leader. The Opposition Leader is a member of the government who represents the political party not in power and raises concerns or suggestions about government actions.
Virtual queue system -: A virtual queue system is an online method to manage the number of people visiting a place, like a temple. It helps in organizing the flow of visitors to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.