SABARIMALA, INDIA, USA, January 13, 2008: Security has been stepped up at Sabarimala two days ahead of the Makaravilakku, marking the finale of the pilgrimage season as devotees in thousands kept thronging the hill-shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
About 3000 police personnel have been deployed around the temple complex with high-tech equipment to keep a close watch on the uninterrupted flow of devotees. Restrictions will be imposed on trekking from the foothills from the afternoon on Makaravilakku day to ease the rush at Sannidhanam and ensure the smooth passage of the procession carrying holy jewels to be adorned on the Deity before the Makarajyoti–celestial light–appears on the eastern horizon.
The procession carrying Thiruvabharanam, sacred ornaments set off from Valiakoickal Sastha temple at Pandalam on Saturday afternoon. The Thiruvabharanam, consisting of golden attire, ceremonial flag and puja vessels, were packed in three wooden boxes. The royal representative, Raghava Varma Raja of Pandalam Puthenkoickal Palace was taken in a palanquin to Sabarimala. The Thiruvabharanam will be brought back to Pandalam after the temple’s closure on January 20.