.jpg?$p=246738b&f=16x9&w=1080&q=0.8 "The Makaralight was lit in Ponnambalamet; Lakhs of devotees see Kankulir")
Sabarimala: Lakhs of devotees who had climbed the mountain to see Ayyan were lighted at Ponnampalamet. Lakhs of devotees with darshan punya. The dark Sabarimala forests were covered with sharana mantras. The shrine opened at 6:30 in the evening. Then Lakhs of devotees at Ponnambalamed darshan Makaravilak thrice with sharana calls.
The Thiruvabrhana procession which left from Pandalam reached Ayyappasannidhi with a huge welcome at Saramkuthi. At around 6 pm, the Thiruvabharan procession was received by Devaswom representatives and Ayyappa Seva Sangham workers. Then the elephant was taken to the Sannidhanam and when they reached the 18th step and reached the sopanam, Tantri and Melashanti received the tiruvabharanam and worshiped the idol of Ayyappa.
A large group of Ayyappans was encamped wherever the Makaravilak was visible. The authorities had already done the work prioritizing security and visibility. Apart from Sannidhanam, there were view points like Pampa Hilltop, Panjipara, Nellimala, Ayyanmala, Ilavunkal, Attathote and Western Colony. Heavy security is provided at all the view points.
In view of the rush of devotees, the Sannidhanam was divided into two divisions comprising different sectors and two SPs were given special duties. Panditathavalam to Bailipalam is one division and centers including Vadakenada, Thirumuttam and Malikappuram are another division. Wayanad SP is in charge of Panditathavalam to Bailey bridge division. R. Anand and Kozhikode DCP in charge of Vadackenada, Thirumuttam and Malikappuram region. K.E. Baiju too.
Two companies of police were additionally deployed in Sannidhanam. Around 2000 police officers have been deployed at Sannidhanam. Six additional DYSPs were also appointed. Various commando units including the Bomb Squad and other forces were on hand to facilitate the devotees for a smooth Makarjyoti darshan.
