Over 25 pilgrims killed in landslide at Pamba

The accident occurred when the pilgrims were returning after the darshan of the Makarajyothi.

Lakhs of devotees had converged at Sabarimala for the Makaravilakku festival. There was an unprecedented rush of pilgrims for a glimpse of the Jyothi.

The Jyothi

twinkled thrice at Ponnambalamedu on the eastern horizon of Sabarimala at 6.45 pm, arousing frenzied chants of Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa8216; from lakhs of devotees gathered there.

The kites were, as usual, sighted immediately before the arrival of Thiruvabharanam holy ornaments donated by Pandalam Raja.

The Thiruvabharanam was received at the Sannidhanam by Thanthri Kandararu Mohanaru, melsanthi P J Narayanan Namboodiri, and Travancore Devaswom Board president V G K Menon at 6.30 pm.

The Thiruvabharanam was taken along the pathinettampadi eighteen steps to the Sreekovil sanctum sanctorum. The idol of Lord Ayyappa was adorned with the Thiruvabharanam, today being Makarasankranthi.

At 6.45 pm, when the doors of the Sreekovil were thrown open, the Jyothi appeared thrice, sending the pilgrims into a religious frenzy.