Sabarimala 2026: Post-Makarajyothi Rush Intensifies; Pilgrims Begin Return Journey Amid Strict Security

Sannidhanam, January 16, 2026: Following the divine sighting of the Makarajyothi on Wednesday evening, the Sabarimala hill shrine is witnessing a massive outflow of devotees today. While the peak of the festival has passed, the atmosphere remains spiritually charged as pilgrims begin their arduous descent from the hills, concluding their 41-day Vratam.

The Sight of Makarajyothi (January 14 Recap)

On Wednesday, January 14, at approximately 6:45 PM, thousands of devotees gathered at the Sannidhanam and surrounding hills erupted in chants of "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" as the celestial star (Makara Jyothi) appeared on the horizon and the sacred lamp (Makara Vilakku) was lit thrice at Ponnambalamedu. This followed the arrival of the Thiruvabharanam (sacred jewels) from the Pandalam Palace.

Managing the Return Journey: Current Status

Today, January 16, the focus has shifted from rituals to logistics. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Southern Railways have deployed special services to manage the extra rush:

• Transport Boost: Over 300 special trains and hundreds of additional bus services are operating from Pamba, Nilakkal, and Chengannur to facilitate a safe return for pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

• Traffic Control: Police and Forest Department officials are maintaining strict vigil on the trekking paths to prevent stampede-like situations during the descent.

• Upcoming Rituals: While many are leaving, the temple remains open for a few more days. The Malikappuram procession will continue until January 18, and the temple will officially close on January 20, 2026, after the final Guruthi pooja.

Historic Revenue & Footfall

Initial reports from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) suggest that the 2025-26 season has been record-breaking.

• Devotees: Over 5.1 million pilgrims visited the shrine this season.

• Revenue: The temple recorded a historic revenue of over ₹429 crore (as of Jan 12), a significant increase from the previous year.