Media access has been restricted at Sabarimala, with entry to the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) area completely prohibited. Authorities clarified that the restrictions have been imposed as per the directive of the High Court. The Sabarimala temple opened for the Mandala pooja season with Melshanti Arun Kumar Namboothiri opening the temple doors in the presence of Tantri Kantaru Mahesh Mohanararu.
Daily entry has been limited to 90,000 pilgrims. Of these, 70,000 pilgrims can book through the virtual queue system, while 20,000 slots are allocated for spot bookings. Special queues have been arranged for women and children. Starting tomorrow, the temple will open at 3 AM, close at 1 PM, reopen at 3 PM, and finally close at 11 PM after the Harivarasanam recital.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrived at Sannidhanam as part of the scientific examination related to the Sabarimala gold theft case. The team, led by SP Shashidharan, reached Pampa this morning. The High Court has granted permission to conduct scientific examinations at the Dwarapalaka panels and Kattillappaalika structures after the Ucha Pooja tomorrow. The investigation will include removing and inspecting gold plates from areas including the Dwarapalaka sculptures to assess the scale of the theft. A one-centimeter sample of gold will be collected for chemical analysis. Scientific experts and smiths are accompanying the SIT team. The scientific examination is considered crucial in understanding the extent of the Sabarimala gold theft.
