Thiruvananthapuram: The system of darshan at the Sabarimala temple is set to undergo changes in response to growing complaints from devotees about overcrowding. Pilgrims have often struggled to get a proper view of Lord Ayyappa due to the large crowds at the temple. To address this, a new system will be introduced, allowing pilgrims who climb the ‘pathinettaampadi’ (the 18 steps of the Sabarimala temple) to directly access the shrine from the Kodimaram (flag hoisting pole) without needing to use the flyover.
After the darshan, these pilgrims will be guided to the Malikappuram temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board is expected to finalise the decision following the conclusion of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, which begins in November.
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According to Devaswom President P. S. Prasanth, the final decision will be made after consultations with the Devaswom Minister, the Sabarimala Tantri, the Melshanthi, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, and police officials. The Kerala High Court’s approval will be sought for the new arrangement.
Concerns over temple structures
There have been ongoing demands to remove certain constructions in the temple courtyard that do not align with tantric principles. The Sabarimala High-Power Committee has voiced concerns over the flyover, which is taller than the temple itself in the upper courtyard, and suggested that it be dismantled. Once the flyover is removed, pilgrims will be directed from the Kodimaram straight to the shrine. This has led to considerations of changing the entire approach to darshan.
Managing the crowd
The flyover was originally built to manage the heavy influx of devotees in the temple’s upper courtyard. The crowd in front of the shrine tends to swell when pilgrims carrying the Irumudikettu (the sacred offering) merge with those who do not carry it, entering from the north side. Before the planned changes can be implemented, alternative crowd management arrangements will need to be established. A key question is where the pilgrims who climb the 'pathinettaampadi' will wait after the pujas are done and the temple doors are closed.
New facilities under consideration
To accommodate the changes, the board is considering converting the existing large 'nadapanthal' (portico) into a two-level structure. The upper level could be used as a resting area for pilgrims before they climb the 'pathinettaampadi' to the shrine. The plan also involves clearing some buildings in the upper courtyard to create additional space for devotees.
Published: 28 Sept 2024, 11:55 am IST
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