Ayyappa devotees must pay for 'kuri' during this Sabarimala pilgrimage

Erumeli: Ayyappa devotees visiting Erumeli during the Sabarimala pilgrimage will now have to pay to apply kuri after bathing. This is the first for the Travancore Devaswom Board, which has granted a contract for this arrangement.

Areas to wear sandalwood or vermillion (kuri) will be provided at four places near the elephant enclosure in the temple. One of these locations was contracted for Rs 3 lakh, while the other three have been given contract for a total of Rs 7 lakhs. The Devaswom Board has decided to charge devotees ₹10 each for wearing kuri.

Previously, during the pilgrimage, devotees after performing the traditional Pettathullal dance, first bathed and then moved on to apply the kuri. This was done in designated areas, including in front of the Nadapanthal (porch) and at specific stalls. The application of kuri was not part of the prasad offered inside the temple.

This new arrangement, introduced as part of the auction process, has prompted protests from various Hindu religious organisations, including the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, which has expressed discontent with the decision.