Keralam CM offers prayers at Sabarimala, reviews pilgrimage preparations

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Saturday (October 17, 2026) offered prayers at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, which opened in the evening for the five-day monthly pujas for the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Accompanied by Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan and Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, Mr. Satheesan began the traditional trek from Pampa around 3 p.m. and reached the Sannidhanam after 5 p.m. He entered the temple complex through the VIP gate and offered prayers.

The visit marked the first time a Chief Minister had visited the hill temple since former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s visit in 2017.

Besides offering prayers, Mr. Satheesan reviewed the preparations at the Sannidhanam and along the trekking route ahead of the annual pilgrimage season, which begins next month.

Meanwhile, the temple witnessed a heavy influx of pilgrims on Saturday.

Earlier, Melsanthi E.D. Prasad Namboothiri opened the sanctum sanctorum in the presence of Thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan. This was followed by the opening of the various Upadevatha temples and the lighting of the Aazhi near the 18 holy steps.