Case file · Apparition / miracle
Sabarimala's 'celestial light'
For decades pilgrims at Sabarimala, Kerala, hailed the Makaravilakku light on Ponnambalamedu hill as divine; in April 2011, after a stampede killed 102 pilgrims, the temple board told the Kerala High Court it was lit by people.
2011 CE · 9.43, 77.10 · status: explained
The account
Rationalists had long said the flame was lit by electricity-board and forest staff. The board now presents it as a ritual flame descended from a tribal custom, distinct from the Makara Jyothi star.