Thousands undertake annual Sivalaya Ottam on Maha Shivaratri

Thousands of devotees took part in the annual Sivalaya Ottam, a traditional pilgrimage run observed every year on Maha Shivaratri.

Devotees from Kanniyakumari district and neighbouring Kerala voluntarily undertake the sacred run as an act of devotion. In Sivalaya Ottam (A run to Shiva temples), devotees sprint from one Shiva temple to another across the district, covering a total distance of around 100 km and visiting 12 temples.

This pilgrimage follows a specific order, beginning at Thirumalai Mahadevar temple in Munchirai, which is around 10 km from Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. The run then proceeds to Shiva temples in Thikkurichi, Thirparappu, Thirunandhikarai, Ponmanai, Pannipaagam, Kalkulam, Melancode, Thiruvidaicode, Thiruvithancode, Thirupanthicode and concludes at Thirunattalam.

Before undertaking the run, devotees usually observe a seven-day fast in preparation for Maha Shivratri. Along the route, refreshments, food and water are provided to devotees by donors.

Most devotees begin their run on the previous evening of Maha Shivratri and complete it either on the day of the festival or the following morning. While many undertake the pilgrimage on foot in keeping with tradition, some choose to visit the 12 Shiva temples within a single day in vehicles.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the devotees. Around 1,000 police personnel were deployed for security and 44 two-wheeler patrols were deployed. Entry of mineral laden lorries into Kanniyakumari district was banned on February 14-15 as a precautionary measure.