Sabarimala: Pilgrims will not be permitted to travel from Pulmedu to Sannidhanam after witnessing the Makarajyothi on Tuesday evening. Night travel through wildlife corridors is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Devotees must return to their lodging at Pulmedu after the Makaravilakku darshan and can proceed to Sannidhanam only the following morning.

Travel from Sannidhanam to Pulmedu is allowed only between 9 am and 2 pm. The police and forest departments have made special arrangements to stop pilgrims attempting to travel to Sannidhanam after the Makarajyothi darshan.

The Kerala Police will deploy 5,000 personnel for the Makaravilakku festival at the Sabarimala hill shrine, scheduled for January 14. The festival is expected to draw a minimum of 2.5 lakh devotees to the temple. Kerala State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib visited Sabarimala on Saturday to evaluate the preparedness for the festival. Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure devotees can view the Makara Jyothi and descend the hill smoothly.

Instructions for devotees arriving for Makarajyothi:
- Only those with virtual queue or spot bookings will be allowed entry from Nilakkal to Pampa on January 13 and 14.

- On January 14, traffic restrictions will begin at Nilakkal from 7.30 am. Vehicles will only be allowed from Nilakkal to Pampa until 10 am.

- Pilgrims can travel from Pampa to Sannidhanam until 12 noon, after which access will be restricted until the Thiruvabharanam procession reaches Saramkuthy in the evening (around 5.30 pm).

- Pilgrims carrying stoves, large utensils, or gas cylinders will not be allowed entry into Sannidhanam.

- Darshan of Makarajyothi from treetops, tall buildings, terraces, or water tanks is strictly prohibited.

- Entry to the Thirumuttam for the evening Deeparadhana will be restricted after noon. Only those with special passes issued by Devaswom authorities will be allowed entry.

- Temporary shelters, sheds, or cooking arrangements in open spaces near Pampa, Sannidhanam, and adjacent areas are not allowed.

- Pilgrims must use KSRTC buses and follow the queue system. Attempting to break barricades or ropes near the darshan area is forbidden.

- Devotees must safeguard their valuables and ensure senior members or children do not get separated in the crowd.

Permitted locations for Makarajyothi darshan
- Nilakkal: Attathodu, Attathad West Colony, Elavunkal, Nellimala, and Ayyanmala.

- Pampa: Hilltop, Hilltop Central Area, and Valiyanavattom.

- Sannidhanam: Pandithavalam, areas around the Darshan complex, Annadhana mandapam front, Thirumuttom South Side, Aazhi premises, Koprakalam, Jyothi Nagar, Forest Office front, and the Water Authority Office premises.

Emergency medical facilities:
Emergency medical centres are set up at Pandithavalam Junction, Vavarnada, Saramkuthy, Queue Complex, Marakoottam, and Charalmedu, with stretcher services available at designated locations. ASKA light services are also available at critical points for safety.

Two return routes from Pandithavalam
Two routes are designated for pilgrims to return after the Makarajyothi darshan:

1. Pandithavalam -Hotel Junction - Anna Dhana Mandapam Rear - Police Barracks - Bailey Pathway - Jeep Road.

2. Pandithavalam Junction - Darshan Complex - Pulmedu Entry Midway - Koprakalam - Tractor Road - KSEB Junction - Jeep Road.

For Thiruvabharanam darshan, devotees can use the Anna Dhana Mandapam front or the Civil Darshan Entry near Malikappuram Flyover.