Kerala CM visits Sabarimala temple, inspects pilgrimage readiness

The Chief Minister of Kerala visited the sacred Sabarimala temple atop the Western Ghats to assess arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage season. During the visit, the CM offered prayers at the shrine, which attracts millions of devotees annually, particularly during the mandala pooja and makaravilakku festivals.

The official inspection focused on pilgrimage infrastructure and crowd management systems in place for the season ahead. Sabarimala, one of India's most significant religious destinations, requires extensive preparation to accommodate the large influx of visitors who undertake the challenging trek to the hilltop temple.

This visit holds particular significance as it is the first time a sitting Chief Minister has visited the temple since former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's visit in 2017. The current visit underscores the state government's commitment to ensuring smooth operations and enhanced facilities for pilgrims.

Sabarimala remains one of the most visited religious sites in the country, with its pilgrimage season drawing devotees from across India and abroad. The temple's unique practices and strict protocols have made it a subject of considerable public interest and administrative focus.