The 18 golden steps up to the next level of the temple complex (taken when there are no pilgrims there, obviously) Notice the blue "cattle fences" in the foreground - this is where the "queue" lines up
Pilgrims in the "queue" waiting to get into the temple complex, in the area that I described as a giant warehouse, where the line snakes around several times.
The golden temple with the Ayyappa idol inside.
Pilgrims in the queue waiting to file (ie be pushed through) the temple past the Ayyappa idol. Notice the pilgrims holding the cloth bundles on their heads.
Police trying to hold back the crush of pilgrims. This photo came from an online newspaper from some years ago.
Pilgrims carrying their cloth bundles on their heads as they walk on their way to Sabarimala. They are wearing their black lungis and the chains around their necks. We didn't have the flowers, and we wore shirts.
I hope to get photos that Francois took, but these might give you an idea of what it was like
