The advisory was issued as worsening weather conditions affected Pathanamthitta district, where the Lord Ayyappa shrine is located.

The Travancore Devaswom Board said the decision was taken considering the deteriorating weather conditions around the Sabarimala pilgrimage route. Heavy rain in the central high ranges has led to rising water levels in the Pamba basin and created safety concerns along forested roads leading to the shrine.

Officials warned that continued rainfall could trigger sudden flooding and landslides, making travel risky for devotees. The Board urged pilgrims to prioritise safety and postpone their visit until conditions improve.

Ranni, one of the major transit points for Sabarimala pilgrims located near the foothills of the shrine, has been affected after the Pamba river overflowed its banks. Several parts of the town remain submerged, affecting shops, petrol stations and other establishments.

The rising water level in the Pamba river, combined with continuous rainfall in the hill districts, has raised concerns of further flooding in the region. Rescue teams and authorities are monitoring the situation amid forecasts of additional rainfall.

The Sabarimala temple is scheduled to open for the traditional Niraputhari ceremony, where the season’s first harvest is ceremonially offered to Lord Ayyappa.

The TDB informed devotees that there will be other opportunities to visit the shrine later in August. The temple will reopen for the Chingam monthly poojas from August 16 to 21 and for Onam special poojas from August 24 to 28.

The advisory comes as Kerala continues to experience an intense monsoon spell, with authorities maintaining close monitoring across rain-affected districts and rescue teams deployed in vulnerable areas.

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