Sabarimala prepares for Makaravilakku on Jan 14 with special purifications

SABARIMALA Jan 13: As ‘Makaravilakku’ is to be observed on January 14th special purification poojas were conducted at Sannidhanam. Poojas were conducted as a compensation to any violation of customs and rituals. Though, this is standard procedure, this year special poojas were done following the young women entry to Sabarimala, reports said.

Devotees are staying in tents at Sabarimala to have darshan of Makarajyothi and deeparadhana. Most of the tents are at Pandithavalam. There is a decrease in the number of tents as the number of devotees have reduced. Rush at Sannidhanam was less from Saturday morning. Devotees could ascend the 18 holy steps without standing in queue.

Meantime, All arrangements have been taken for the smooth darshan of Makaravilakku, said devaswom board president A Padma Kumar after an evaluation meet.

The barricades are arranged in security places where Makaravilakku vision is. There will be various military personnel, health department and rapid action force at the premises of Sannidhanam. The Harivarasana Puraskaram will be presented tomorrow. Drinking water, medicines, appam and aravana prasadam have been arranged for devotees. Strict security has been arranged for makaravilakku in the wake of the problems prevailing over women entry. 5000 police personnel have been deployed in Sannidhanam and Poonkavanam.

Thiruvabharanam procession will reach Sharamkuthi at 5 pm. Devaswom Minister and others will receive the Thiruvabharanam. The sanctum sanctorum will close on January 20.