Health Warnings

1.    Please be aware that as altitude increases, atmospheric density reduces. This causes reduction in the level of oxygen available while breathing in. This could give rise to many medical problems.

2.    Those suffering from or susceptible to any heart ailments , especially pilgrims above the age of 55 yrs should heed the following warnings. This also applies to pilgrims with diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol etc:

• Before setting out on your pilgrimage, consult your physician and undergo a medical check up inclusive of ECG.

• Those with heart ailments or those prone to heart diseases must avoid undertaking the pilgrimage during peak seasons when there is heavy crowding.

• Carry along a diary in which your maladies as well names of advised prescription drugs are mentioned.

• If you are under medication for heart ailments or blood pressure, under no circumstances should you suddenly terminate intake of these medicines unless advised by your physician.

• People with heart ailments must climb slopes gently and slowly. Do not be in a hurry. Rest frequently.

• Keep a check on your pulse. If your pulse goes above 140 beats per minute or is showing signs of irregularity in rhythm, seek the services of a doctor.

• Do not climb with after having consumed full meals. Keep your meals light during the pilgrimage.

• While climbing up to Sannidhanam, if you experience any breathlessness, giddiness or chest pain, cease climbing immediately. Enroute, there are enough medical camps and oxygen parlours. Please seek attention from a doctor. ABASS stretcher service volunteers are ever ready to help you.

• If you have been advised to take 'Isordin tablets' please follow the prescribed dosage. Do not exceed the dosage lest it cause rapid reduction in blood pressure and bring on giddiness/fainting.

• Please be aware that if your blood sugar level is low, it results in 'hypoglycemia'. Indications are sweating, tiredness, dizziness etc. You are likely to faint during climbs. Stop your climb immediately. Consume some light food. Carry along some chocolates or sugar. If 'hypoglycemia' hits you, consume some chocolate or sugar.

• Those suffering from very high blood pressure, must get themselves examined by a physician and must discontinue the pilgrimage if the blood pressure remains high.

3.  Other pilgrims must also be aware of certain medical problems:

• Breathlessness - The cause could by many. Some common problems are asthma, chronic bronchitis, heavy smoking,  The atmosphere during the enroute and at Sannidhanam is likely to be very polluted due to dust, smoke, low temperature etc. Please consult your physician and get yourself attended to. This must be done well before the pilgrimage as the medications prescribed by the physician will some time/days to have its full effect.

• Pollution of water bodies occurs due to heavy crowds and unsanitary practices. This could bring in water borne diseases like hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, diarrhoea, amoebiasis, food poisoning etc. Possibility of airborne infections are also there. These include influenza, pneumonia, mumps, chicken pox, conjunctivitis etc. So boil water before consuming.

• Persons with any infectious disease must avoid undertaking the pilgrimage till the infection has been cured.

• Be very particular about sanitation and cleanliness.

Sabarimala Temple - Opening and Closing Dates

           Latest Update of 16 Nov 08, from Travancore Devaswom Board         

• Except on the dates mentioned in 'green' colour, the 'Nada' will open at 1700 hrs.

• On other days, except from 31 Dec 08 to 14 Jan 09, the 'nada' will open at 0400 hrs and the 'nada' will be closed after completion of the non pooja. It will re-open at 1700 hrs.

• From 31 Dec 08 to 14 Jan 09, the 'nada' will open at 0300 hrs.

Though Travancore Devaswom Board is trying its level best to provide all amenities to the pilgrims, due to severe rush the facilities may not be enough. Hence pilgrims are requested not to overstay at the temple premises. Boarding facilities are not enough to cater to the heavy rush of pilgrims. Devotees are requested to leave Sannidhanam at the earliest time after darshan and other rituals.

Prasadam coupons (aravana, appam, abhishekham and modhakam) will be available through all branches of the Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd.

16 Nov 08
 

Ghee Abhishekham - During Mandala Pooja Festival 2008-09

Due to large crowds of pilgrims, these timings are subject to changes depending on the convenience of the temple authorities

Morning - From 0400 Hrs till 1130 hrs.
Closes at 1300 hrs.
Evening - From 1730 hrs.
Last time for Neyyabhishekam has not yet been ascertained.
Harivarasanm at 2300 hrs.
25 Nov 97

Earlier, the main temple Ulsavam was being held during December every year which is in the midst of the peak pilgrimage session. The Ulsavam rituals necessitated the temple being closed for  various durations thus preventing an opportunity for a `darshan' for many pilgrims.

Hence, commencing from the year 2006, it has been decided to hold the Ulsavam during the period 2nd April to 16th April every year.

Some of the events that take place during the main festival in April
(Exact dates and times for these events will be ascertained later)

• Prior to the Utsavam, Shudhi Kriyas consisting of  Prasada Shudhi, Vaastu Bali, Vaastu Punyaham, Mulayidil will be performed.

• Bimba Shudhi Kriyas consisting of Chathu Shudhi, Dhara, Panchakam, Panchagavyam and 25 Kalasam will be performed.

• Kodiyettam (Temple Flag Hoisting)  will be conducted during Makara Rasi. On Kodiyettam day, no Neyyabhishekham will be performed from  0700 hrs. It will re-commence after Kodiyettam.

• Sribhutha Bali will be performed.

• Utsava Bali will be performed. The Lord will be taken to special mandapam for the Utsava Bali. The ceremonies will commence at about 1300 hrs and will be over by about 1600 hrs. Utsava Bali darshan will be from 1400 hrs. On these days.

• Palli Vetta will be undertaken.

• Villkku Ezhunallipu.

• Arattu to Pampa.

• As the Siveli Vigraham will be away at Pampa on the Aarattu day from morning till evening,  temple darshan will not be possible till the Vigraham returns to the temple  after the Aarattu.

Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple

During Makaravilakku season, the temple opening is at 0300 hrs and closing at 2300 hrs. So some of the pooja timings will shift up and down. Essentially, this is the trend of events.

Notes from Ayyappa Seva Sangham:-

Pilgrims who have not undergone traditional `vrutham' are prohibited from carrying `Irumudi' or climbing the holy `Pathinettam Padi'. They should use the side entrance.

On the first day of any session, the temple opens at 1730 hrs.

Singing of ``Harivarasnam' and closing of the Sanctum Sanctorum doors takes place at around 2230 hrs.

Devotees coming to Sabarimala on pilgrimage should be aware of the traditional religious practices, related to the temple, and should abide by these. Only pilgrims with Irumudi Kettu will be permitted to climb `Pathinettam Padi' (Holy Eighteen Steps). Women in the age group of 10 to 50 years will not be allowed `temple darshan' and they will not be permitted to go beyond Pampa. Police check post exists at Pampa to enforce this.

As per the orders of the Kerala High Court, in order to prevent environmental pollution, usage of carry bags made of plastic, polythene etc are strictly prohibited in Pampa area and all roads/paths to `Sannidhanam' and surroundings of `Sannidhanam'. Smoking is also strictly prohibited in the above areas.  Production / carriage / distribution / consumption of alcoholic / narcotic substances are also strictly prohibited. Those found guilty would find themselves in serious trouble with the law enforcement/excise authorities. 

All pilgrims are humbly requested to co-operate with Devaswom Board Authorities and Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham authorities for the successful and orderly conduct of the festival as well as maintenance of the sanctity of the pilgrimage.                                                     

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