Devotees resort to sloganeering as police play truant in Sabarimala

Hundreds of devotees resorted to sloganeering as during Makarajyothi darshan at Sabarimala against security measures adopted by Police that prevented pilgrims from viewing celestial light. 
 

The Makarajyothi appeared across the eastern horizon across Ponnambalamedu thrice on Saturday. Devotees, who had arrived to witness the celestial light from close quarters of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple were shocked to find police barricades that prevented them from occupying the area. The devotees, especially non-Keralites, resorted to sloganeering to express their anger. "Policemen had filled the area and devotees did not get an opportunity to witness Makarajyothi from near the sanctum sanctorum," a devotee said. 
 

They were heard shouting "we want justice... police go back,". 
 

Pilgrims had queued up the area with folded hands for hours to get a glimpse of presiding deity adorned with holy jewels brought to the temple once a year from Pandalam Palace. The palace is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyappa was born and had spent his childhood. A procession carrying the jewels in a specially decorated wooden casket would arrive at the temple just moments before Aarti. 
 

Every year, a divine light appears on the eastern horizon thrice, soon after the Aarti is performed. This takes place in the last week of Malayalam month of Makram, during the first half of January. It is the most awaited event in the two-month long Sabarimala season. Viewing the light from within close quarters of the temple is believed to be ultimate for a pilgrim. 
 

• Sabarimala
• Makarajyothi
• police play truant
• devotees sloganeering
• celestial light
• Ponnambalamedu