(The dates reflect Timeline 1999 - 2000. Nevertheless, it is surmised that a similar briefing would hold good for almost every year. These notes will be updated as and when up-to-date information is received).
Thiuvabharanam Procession starts from Valiya Koyikal Temple at 1300 hrs on 12th January .
Pampa Sadya and Pampa Vilakku at Pampa
From the time the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum closes after Ucha Pooja, till the doors re-open for Deeparadhana after adornment of `Thiruvabhranam' on the idol, pilgrims will not be allowed to climb the Pathinetam Padi.
Arrival of `Thiruvabharanam' is towards late evening.
Deeparadhana will be performed after the idol is adorned with Thiruvabharanam (at this time Makara Jyothi at Ponnambalamedu can be seen along with the `Star'.) . Some TV Channels like AsiaNet/Surya etc may present a live coverage of the event.
Makara Sankrama Pooja will be conducted inside the temple at 2250 hrs
On Makaravilakku day, `Neyyabhishekam' and `Ellu Nivedyam' will be performed on behalf of the Ambalapuzha and Aalangat Pettah Thullal group. On 15th, special Siveli of the Ambalapuzha group will be conducted at Sannidhanam. Accompanied by traditional music and escorted by caparisoned elephants and ceremonial `thala poli' the group will set out from the temple of Malikapurath Amma. They proceed to Pathinettam Padi and as the Siveli reaches the Pathinettam Padi, the steps are ceremoniously cleaned and obesiance paid to the holy steps by lighting camphor flames.
Due to continual heating of the idol by Neyyabhishekam, Kalabhishekam will be conducted on behalf of the Maharaja of Pandalam on 18th January to cool the idol. After that no abhishekhams of any kind will be accepted. it. After the Kalabhishekam at night in the main temple, no further abhishekams of any sort will be accepted.
Malikapurathammais taken out on `Ezhunnelippu' (Royal Procession) to Sarmakuthi Aal everyday from 15th to 18th January 2000 to check if any `Kanni Ayyappan' has arrived at Sabarimala during that year (symbolised by deposit of new arrows at Sarmakuthi Aal).
At 2200 hrs , there will be a Guruthi at the Malikapurathamma Temple, none will be permitted into the Malikapurathamma temple after the Guruthi. Pandalam Elayarajah leaves his abode at Malikapuram after the Guruthi and proceeds to Sannidhanam to spend the night there. Pilgrims are not permitted inside the main Sabarimala temple after 19th January Night (after temple doors close).
Only Ganapathi Homam will be conducted at the main temple on 20th January morning. After that Pandalam Elayarajah will pay have his private darshan of the Lord. No one including the Thantris and Santhis are permitted to be present during this time.
After offering prayers at the temple, `Thiruvabharanams' are handed over to him. The temple is closed and the key of the Sanctum Sanctorum is also handed over to him. He offers a monetary tribute to the Mel Santhi and immediately thereafter the key is handed back to the Mel Santhi with instructions that he should conduct all rituals punctiliously till his tour of duty is over and that he should instruct his successor to do the same. The Mel Santhi in turn hands over the key to the Devaswom Manager.
Immediately thereafter Pandalam Representatives commence their return journey via Pampa along with the `Thiruvabharanams'.
Flow of pilgrims from Pampa to Sabarimala will be synchronised with reciprocal flow of pilgrims from Sabarimala to Pampa. Pilgrims trekking up from Pampa to Sabarimala are likely to be held up at intermediate check points. These measures are being enforced to regulate the flow of crowd and to prevent overcrowding at Sannidhanam.
Space is being cleared to accommodate 1 lakh pilgrims at Pandi Thavalam. This will enable them to watch Makara Jyothi from Pandi Thavalam.
After Jyothi darshan, pilgrims around Bhasma Kulam intending to proceed from Sannidhanam to Pampa will come via the Northern Gate and enter the 'Nada Pandal'. Pilgrims coming from Malika puram will proceed via the Maramath Complex to the `Nada Pandal'. Further, travel of , pilgrims proceeding on the Sannidhanam - Pampa route will be via Chandranandan Road while the pilgrims travelling on the Pampa - Sannidhanam route will be proceed via Saramkuthi Aal.
Pilgrims coming with irumudi kettu from Pandi Thavalam and intending to climb Pathinettam Padi will come in front of Maramoth Complex and enter the barricaded channel at the northern side of the `Valia Nada Pandal'. Donkey trains and `Dollys' will be prohibited on the Pampa-Sannidhanam route from 14th 1900 hrs till 15th 0500 hrs.
Pilgrims will be permitted to view Makara Jyothi from 'Hill Top' where planned barricades have been installed. However, the number of pilgrims at Hill Top will be controlled. Lack of a barricade at this spot was one of the attributive causes leading to the death of pilgrims at the same spot last year.
Seven ambulances with four stretchers each have been placed at Pampa. Ayyappa Seva Sangham has provided 112 volunteers to act as stretcher bearers. Five 5000 liter drinking water tanks will be provisioned at Hill Top, Pampa, Plappaly etc. Fire Fighting Resources have also been augmented at all focal points.
In the event of Nilackal parking ground being filled to capacity, vehicles that arrive thereafter will be diverted to Plappaly. After Makara Vilakku, vehicles coming towards Pampa after 1900 hours will be stopped at Plappaly.
KSRTC will position 100 buses by 14th morning, at Nilackal, to facilitate prompt return journey of pilgrims.
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