The sacred hills of Sabarimala are resonating with the chants and prayers of devotees as the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season gains momentum. In just nine days since its opening on November 16th, the revered Lord Ayyappa temple has welcomed over six lakh pilgrims, a remarkable surge compared to the previous year. This influx of devotion has not only strengthened the spiritual aura of the shrine but also generated a significant rise in revenue, underscoring the temple's enduring appeal and the efficient management by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
"The temple has witnessed 6,12,290 pilgrims during this period," announced TDB President P S Prasanth. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the 3,03,501 devotees who visited during the same timeframe last year. The revenue collected has also seen a remarkable jump, reaching ₹41.64 crore, an increase of ₹13.33 crore compared to the previous season.
Prasanth attributed this success to a combination of factors, including "effective management and improved facilities for devotees." The TDB has implemented several measures to ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all:
Online booking: Three spot online booking centers have been established at Vandiperiyar Sathram, Erumeli, and Pamba, allowing devotees to secure their darshan slots in advance and avoid long queues.
Manappuram online booking center: The Manappuram center in Pamba has been equipped to handle the increasing influx of devotees, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
Extended darshan hours: The temple administration has extended darshan hours to accommodate the large number of pilgrims, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to offer their prayers.
Crowd management: A robust crowd management system has been implemented, including reduced duty times for officers at the 'Pathinettam Padi' (holy 18 steps) and enhanced facilities for personnel, to ensure the smooth flow of devotees and prevent congestion.
Prasanth assured pilgrims that "there is no situation where devotees will have to return without darshan," emphasizing the efficacy of the online booking system in managing the increased footfall. He also advised devotees to carry their Aadhaar card or a copy for spot bookings.
Beyond logistical arrangements, the TDB is also focusing on environmental sustainability. Prasanth urged pilgrims to avoid bringing plastics to Sabarimala and refrain from leaving clothes in the holy Pamba River. "Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru (priest) has directed devotees not to include plastics in their 'irumudikattu' (sacred offerings)," he stated, highlighting the temple's commitment to becoming a plastic-free zone.
The significant increase in devotees and revenue at Sabarimala reflects the enduring power of faith and the successful efforts of the TDB in managing the pilgrimage. By implementing efficient booking systems, extending darshan hours, and enhancing crowd management, the temple administration has ensured a smooth and fulfilling experience for pilgrims. The emphasis on environmental sustainability further demonstrates the temple's commitment to preserving the sanctity of the sacred site. As the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season progresses, the Sabarimala temple stands as a beacon of devotion, welcoming millions of devotees with open arms and providing them with a spiritually enriching experience.
