Accident insurance for Sabarimala pilgrims expanded statewide; ₹5 lakh compensation for mishaps

Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board has decided to extend accident insurance coverage to all Sabarimala pilgrims across Kerala. Previously, this benefit was limited to four districts—Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, and Kottayam. Now, the scheme will be implemented statewide.

Under this initiative, if a pilgrim dies in an accident anywhere in Kerala, their dependents will receive ₹5 lakh as compensation. The Devaswom Board will bear the cost of the insurance premium, ensuring financial support for affected families.

The scheme also includes insurance coverage for all Devaswom Board employees. Board President P.S. Prashanth and member A. Ajikumar confirmed that the benefit applies to accidents occurring during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, monthly pujas, and temple festivals.

₹3 lakh compensation for deaths due to illness

Currently, no financial assistance is provided to pilgrims who pass away due to illnesses such as heart attacks. However, the Devaswom Board has introduced a new compensation scheme offering ₹3 lakh to the dependents of those who die due to medical conditions.

To fund this initiative, ₹5 will be collected from pilgrims opting for virtual queue or spot booking for Ayyappa darshan. Donations from other willing Ayyappa devotees will be accepted to build a special fund for the scheme. If the fund grows substantially, the assistance amount may be increased to ₹5 lakh.

During the last pilgrimage season, 48 pilgrims lost their lives at Sabarimala due to heart attacks or respiratory failure.