The popular pilgrimage spot is visited by more than 50 million people a year. Devotees gather at the Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity celebrated for his avowed celibacy.

It’s unclear whether women will be allowed to enter the temple when it opens its doors Saturday, although the Supreme Court said Thursday that its September 2018 decision – that the ban on ...

The priests at Sabarimala then adorn the deity with the sacred jewels brought in by the procession. The ritual is followed by an 'aarti'. A record 39,02,610 Ayyappa devotees visited the shrine ...