Good News for Ayyappa Devotees: Direct Darshan After Climbing 18 Steps

In a significant development at the Sabarimala temple, authorities have introduced a new design that will enhance the pilgrimage experience. As part of this initiative, the flyover around the Sannidhanam will be removed, allowing devotees carrying the "Irumudi" to have direct access to the sanctum immediately after climbing the sacred 18 steps.

Previously, devotees were redirected to the left after ascending the Patinettampadi (18 sacred steps) and had to walk an additional 500 meters via a flyover to reach the sanctum. With the removal of this bridge, pilgrims will now be able to have direct darshan of Lord Ayyappa upon completing the ascent.

The Sabarimala temple will reopen on March 14 for the Meenamasa poojas. Devotees carrying the Irumudi will be permitted to proceed directly from the flagpole area through two or four designated lanes leading to the sanctum. From there, they can reach the Ayyappa shrine via Balikalpura (Kanikkavanchi–Naivedya Pathra).

Currently, devotees are directed to approach the sanctum from the left side after descending from the flyover, which allows only a brief two- to three-second glimpse of Lord Ayyappa. During peak seasons, even this limited view is often obstructed by heavy crowds. Under the new design, approaching from Kanikkavanchi will enable devotees to have a longer darshan, ranging from 30 seconds to a full minute.

At present, the temple is open for Kumbhamasa poojas until February 21. Work on dismantling the flyover, which was originally constructed in 1989 to regulate pilgrim traffic, is set to commence tomorrow.