Sabarimala News Today: Key Guidelines for Ayyappa Devotees by Travancore Devaswom Board
The Travancore Devaswom Board has issued important guidelines for Ayyappa devotees at Sabarimala, advising against bringing certain items like camphor, incense sticks, and rose water while carrying the Irumudi (sacred bundle). Board president P.S. Prashanth announced that a circular on this matter would be released soon. The board also plans to send letters to other temple managements, including Kochi and Malabar Devaswom boards and Guruswamis from other states, regarding this issue.
Concerns About Fire Hazards:
The Travancore Devaswom Board raised concerns about fire hazards, particularly from camphor and incense sticks, which are commonly used during worship. These items can potentially lead to fire accidents. Therefore, the board has prohibited the burning of camphor and incense sticks at the temple. Devotees who bring these items have been advised to dispose of them at the Dhahana Shala (burning grounds) instead. The board has introduced this new proposal to prevent such accidents.
Request from Temple Priest:
The temple’s chief priest (Tantri) wrote to the Devaswom Board requesting the removal of camphor and incense sticks from the Irumudi offerings. The board took this into consideration while making its decision. The letter highlighted that in the past, pilgrims used to carry food offerings such as rice and coconuts. Now, food is readily available everywhere, so devotees are encouraged to bring a small quantity of rice to offer at Sabarimala.
Spot Booking for Devotees:
Regarding the large number of devotees visiting Sabarimala, especially during the Mandal Pooja, the board clarified its policy on spot bookings. Three locations will now offer spot booking for devotees arriving without prior virtual queue bookings. However, to book a spot, pilgrims will need to present their Aadhaar card. Special photo passes with QR codes will be issued to ensure smooth processing. Spot bookings will allow up to 10,000 pilgrims to visit Sabarimala each day, while the virtual queue system can accommodate up to 70,000.
New Counter Arrangements:
The board plans to open spot booking counters in Pamba, Erumeli, and at the Satrams (resting places). They will also increase the number of counters at Pamba to ease congestion. However, concerns have been raised that the absence of counters in Nilakkal and Panthal may cause traffic congestion in Pamba. The authorities have assured that arrangements will be made to ensure that no devotee returns without completing the Ayyappa darshan.
