Amid tight security, the Lord Ayyappa temple here would open for the two-month long pilgrim season later this evening, with the CPI(M)-led LDF government making all preparations to make it a hassle free pilgrimage.
Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu would open the sanctumsanctorum and perform the pujas. A K Sudheer Namboodiri would take charge as the Sabarimala Melsanthi and M S Parameshwaran Namboodiri as Malikapuram Melsanthi.
The pilgrims would be allowed to climb the 18 holy steps after the padi puja and have darshan. The portals of the hill shrine, located in a reserve forest in Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district of the State, would be opened for the two-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku season this evening around 5 pm.
Devotees have started arriving at Nilackal and Pamba from various parts of Kerala and neighbouring states, but would be allowed to leave for the shrine only by 2 pm.
