Sabarimala

2024 - 10 - 16

Sabarimala's Virtual Queue Drama: 70K Slots Leave Pilgrims in a Lurch!

Arun Kumar Namboothiri - Chief Priest - Mandalam Season - Pilgrimage - Sabarimala - Virtual Queue

The Sabarimala virtual queue opens with only 70,000 slots amid protests, leaving many disappointed. What’s the real buzz about?

The enchanting Sabarimala temple is once again at the center of a digital dilemma! With the Mandala season upon us, the virtual queue for darshan (viewing of the deity) has officially opened, but with a twist that has caught many devotees off-guard. Initially, there was a promise of accommodating 80,000 pilgrims daily through the virtual queue. However, the numbers have dropped to a mere 70,000 slots! What happened to those extra 10,000? It seems that's the million-dollar question for devotees looking to secure their place in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

In a bid to spice things up, the government has now introduced spot booking for an additional 10,000 attendees. But hold your horses! This has led to chaos, with pilgrims wondering how to navigate the dual booking system. There are whispers of dissatisfaction among the devotees, who are expressing their frustration over the change. The Chief Minister even threw in a hint regarding online reservation confusion, stating that a clearer plan will be unveiled soon. It appears the virtual queue is anything but straightforward this year!

As the crowd gathers and protests grow, it seems that the heightened emotions could become part of the shrine's story this season. Because of this confusing setup, many are left wondering how these new restrictions will affect their beloved traditions and the sanctity of their pilgrimage journeys. While the temple management ensures that all precautions are taken for a safe experience, the digital transformation of the pilgrimage process hasn't won hearts just yet.

For the Sabarimala temple, preserving traditions while embracing technology is certainly a balancing act, but it also leads one to explore historical facts! Did you know that Sabarimala hosts millions of pilgrims each year, making it one of the busiest pilgrimage centers in the world? Every December and January during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, the temple sees a surge of around 30 million visitors! The juxtaposition of such massive crowds with the current restrictions poses a unique challenge for both devotees and the temple administration.

For those interested in unique festivals, Sabarimala also celebrates the Makara Sankranti festival, where pilgrims eagerly await to witness the legendary Makara Jyothi—a celestial light believed to be a divine signal. Interestingly, the temple has a significant significance for many not just as a religious site, but as a cultural hub that brings together millions united in devotion. As this pilgrimage season rolls on, let's hope for smoother entries at the sacred shrine and perhaps a return to those full 80,000 slots soon!