The Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala here on Saturday reopened for the Makaravilakku festival
Melasanthi (head priest) P.N. Mahesh Namboodiri opened the sanctum sanctorum at 5 p.m in the presence of the Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu. This was followed by the opening of the Malikappuram Devi temple
A large number of pilgrims, especially from the neighbouring States, made their way to the temple through Pampa and via Pullumedu from the morning itself. The Ayyappa Temple was closed after the Mandalam pilgrimage season on December 27.