Carrying devotion: How volunteers help pilgrims overcome Sabarimala’s toughest stretch

What is often considered one of the toughest stretches of the Sabarimala pilgrimage has, this Mandalam season, become a moving example of compassion and selfless service—thanks to a group of dedicated youth volunteers.

Traversing the dense forest paths leading to the hill shrine, these volunteers assist exhausted, elderly and physically challenged pilgrims by carrying them on stretchers to safer points along the route, embodying the belief that service to humanity is true Madhava Seva.

The stretcher service team is led by Jinish Srinivasan and comprises volunteers from Ooty, Gudalur, the Nilgiris and several other parts of Tamil Nadu. Many members have been offering their services at Sabarimala for more than six years, despite being engaged in various professions across the country. Each Mandalam season, they take time off work to return and serve.

Operating under the coordination of the Travancore Devaswom Board, the teams function in groups of seven at key points along the forest route, including Pandithavalam, Appachimedu, Saramkuthi, Neelimala and Marakoottam.

At Pandithavalam, the volunteers assist Ayyappa devotees arriving via the Sathram–Pullumedu forest path. Elderly and disabled pilgrims are transported on stretchers, and medical assistance is arranged whenever required.

Among the volunteers is Vignesh, an accountant working at a supermarket in Bengaluru and a native of the Nilgiris. This season, he is joined by 68 others, including Surya, Ranjith, R. Pradeep, Sharun and Amardesh, all united by a shared commitment to serve.

The team responds swiftly to alerts received from the Navam department checkpost at Pandithavalam. Upon receiving a message, volunteers enter the forest with stretchers, carry pilgrims on their shoulders through difficult terrain, and ensure timely medical attention if needed.

While continuing their service, the volunteers also caution pilgrims that the forest route should be attempted only by those with good physical fitness. They point out that beyond the scenic images often seen on social media, the trail poses serious physical challenges.

Jinish Srinivasan, who has been serving continuously for nearly a month this season, said each team operates at a location for ten days before being replaced, ensuring uninterrupted assistance throughout the pilgrimage period. He also appealed to youths from Kerala to step forward and participate in volunteer service.

The initiative has received full support from the forest department and police officials, who recognise the invaluable contribution of the volunteers, especially along the most difficult parts of the pilgrimage route.