The sacred Mandalam–Makaravilakku season has begun at Sabarimalai, drawing thousands of Ayyappa devotees from across the country. As the temple opened its doors for this auspicious annual pilgrimage, the rush of pilgrims surged far beyond expectations, creating heavy crowding and long waiting hours for darshan. Authorities have stepped in to manage the situation, bringing down additional forces and limiting daily entry to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees who come for their spiritual journey.

With the pilgrimage season beginning on November 17, the Kerala Health Department has also issued an important advisory to ensure a safe and healthy journey for all who undertake the holy Yatra. Devotees have been urged to take extra care while bathing in rivers or natural water bodies along the route, especially by preventing water from entering the nose, a precaution highlighted in view of recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) reported in the state.

The advisory reminds pilgrims undergoing medical treatment to carry their records and essential medicines, and not to discontinue any regular medications before or during the pilgrimage.

It further explains that the organism Naegleria fowleri, found in warm and stagnant freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, and poorly maintained pools, can cause infection if water is forcefully inhaled through the nose. Though extremely rare, the condition is serious, and pilgrims are encouraged to avoid unnecessary freshwater exposure and to use simple precautions such as nose clips or covering the nose tightly while taking ritual baths.

Devotees have also been asked to stay alert to symptoms like fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, or any unusual behavioural changes, and to seek medical help immediately if such signs appear.

As millions embark on this sacred journey chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” the emphasise this year is on devotion paired with safety, ensuring every pilgrim completes the Yatra with good health, peace, and blessings from Lord Ayyappa.


Source / Image Credit : outlookofindia, CNBC TV18, Mathrubhumi English