The Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar announced that the Sabarimala temple stands fully prepared for the upcoming Makaravilakku festival. He made this statement from Kottayam, highlighting the comprehensive arrangements in place.
Devotee Influx and Security Measures
Approximately one lakh devotees are currently camping at the temple and its surrounding areas. Pilgrims continue to arrive via the traditional Erumely forest path. Jayakumar emphasized that police forces are fully prepared to manage the large crowd effectively.
Strict restrictions have been imposed on viewing the Makara Jyothi from temple grounds and flyovers. Only those pilgrims carrying photo ID passes issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board can access these designated viewing areas.
Addressing Pilgrim Movement Concerns
Jayakumar noted a common tendency among pilgrims to rush immediately after viewing the Makara Jyothi. He strongly advised against this hurried descent, reminding devotees there is no need to rush when leaving the temple premises.
To facilitate smoother transportation, additional KSRTC buses have been arranged at Pamba. The board president confirmed that a review meeting will take place on February 6th. This gathering will include all relevant departments to plan for the next pilgrimage season and evaluate this year's festival arrangements.
Comprehensive Medical Preparedness
The health department has mobilized extensive medical resources to handle any emergencies during Wednesday's Makaravilakku festival. About fifty doctors along with their support staff are now stationed at key locations including Sannidhanam, Pamba, Neelimala, Appachimedu, Charalmedu and Nilackal hospitals.
These medical facilities are equipped with more than just regular medicines. They stock specialized drugs for cardiac emergencies, anti-snake venom, rabies vaccines, and immunoglobulin supplies.
Ambulance Deployment and Emergency Centers
A total of forty-six ambulances stand ready for emergency services throughout the festival period. Medical teams and ambulances will be strategically positioned at all major Makaravilakku viewpoints.
Additional medical teams will operate at numerous critical locations along the pilgrimage route:
- Pamba Hilltop and Pamba Hilldown
- U-turn and Triveni petrol pump
- Triveni bridge and Pamba KSRTC bus stand
- Chalakkayam and Attathodu on Pamba-Nilackal Road
- East Attathodu and West Attathodu
- Nellimala, Panjippara, and Angamoozhi
- Valiyanavattom and Pandithavalam at Sannidhanam
- Bailey Bridge and HI Quarters
Seventeen emergency medical centers have been established along the route from Pamba to Sannidhanam. A dedicated control room operates round-the-clock to coordinate stretcher and ambulance services efficiently.
Procession Support and Disease Prevention
A specialized medical team will accompany the Thiruvabharana procession both to and from Sannidhanam. All hospitals along the procession route will remain open during this sacred journey.
In preparation for Makara Vilakku, disease prevention activities are actively underway. Health supervisors and inspectors are leading these efforts at Nilackal, Pamba, and Sannidhanam locations.
Emergency Contact Information
The district medical office has established a 72-hour control room with dedicated contact numbers: 0468 2222642 and 0468 2228220. For immediate medical assistance at Sabarimala, devotees can contact the toll-free emergency number: 04735 203232.
The Thiruvabharana procession is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, marking the culmination of these extensive preparations for one of Sabarimala's most significant annual events.
