New Delhi, Nov. 16 -- Amid beefed up security arrangements, the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala would open this evening for the two-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku season.

To ensure a hassle free pilgrimage for the devotees, the CPI (M)-led LDF government has made all the arrangements. Located in a reserve forest in Western Ghats in Pathanamthitta district of the state, the portals of the hill shrine for the two-month long pilgrim season.

After the padi puja, the pilgrims would be allowed to climb the 18 holy steps and have darshan. Devotees from various parts of Kerala and neighbouring states have started arriving at Nilackal and Pamba but only by 2 pm they will be allowed to leave for the shrine.

During the pilgrim season, more t...