Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board has issued new guidelines regarding the items to be included in the Irumudikettu (sacred bundle) for Ayyappa devotees visiting Sabarimala. The order comes after priest Kantararu Rajeevaru sent a letter to the President of the Devaswom Board recommending specific items that should be packed in the front and back bundles.
Items for the Irumudikettu
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The Irumudikettu is traditionally carried by devotees as part of their pilgrimage to Sabarimala, and it contains essential offerings for Lord Ayyappa. Based on the letter from Tantri Rajeevaru, the following items have been approved:
Front Knot:
- Brown rice grains
- Neyy thenga (ghee filled coconut)
- Jaggery
- Bananas
- Betel leaves
- Areca nut
- Kaani ponnu (currency coins)
Back Knot:
- Rice (in small quantities) for offering at Sabarimala.
Prohibited items
- Rose water
- Incense sticks
- Camphor
Focus on environmental protection
The decision to limit the items in the Irumudikettu was made in response to concerns raised by the Tantri about the environmental impact of waste, especially plastic, in the Sabarimala area. Many devotees were previously bringing items that were either unnecessary or harmful to the environment. The Devaswom Board has instructed temple officials and staff to ensure that only the prescribed items are carried by the devotees.
Published: 12 Nov 2024, 07:36 am IST
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