Sabarimala: The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala has reported a substantial increase in revenue during the first 15 days of the ongoing annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, with total collections reaching ₹92 crore.

According to figures released on Monday by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), this represents a 33.33% rise compared with the ₹69 crore generated during the same period last year.

A major portion of the earnings came from the sale of aravana, which brought in ₹47 crore—a notable 46.86% increase from last year’s ₹32 crore, the TDB said. Revenue from appam sales remained broadly unchanged at ₹3.5 crore.

Kanikka (hundi offerings) also saw an uptick, climbing from ₹22 crore in 2024 to ₹26 crore this season, marking an 18.18% increase.

The hill shrine has witnessed heavy footfall since the start of the season, with around 13 lakh pilgrims visiting Sabarimala up to 30 November, the board noted.

The Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season will conclude in January 2026.