A 14-member Russian team of pilgrims on Wednesday worshipped at the Lord Ayyappa temple here. The team was headed by Induchoodan, who is from St Petersburg in Russia.
The Russian pilgrims, who offered prayers here, are on their ninth pilgrimage to Sabarimala. After observing the 41-day celibacy and traditional fast, the team reached the shrine by trekking bare-footed through the strenuous Erumely-Kalaketty-Azhutha-Mukkuzhi and Karimala route. They camped at Kalaketty on the first day and second day at Mukkuzhi. The team then reached Sannidhanam on Wednesday and offered prayers.
The team includes professionals like doctors and engineers. The Russians will undergo training in martial arts at a centre in Valakkode in Idukki district for a week before returning to their homeland.