Security beefed up at Sabarimala as thieves disguise themselves as shop workers

Pathanamthitta: In response to recent thefts during the ‘maasa pooja’ (monthly prayers that take place at the start of every Malayalam month), police and Devaswom vigilance officials have increased security measures at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam premises. Authorities have noted that thieves have been taking advantage of the reduced police presence and lack of stringent checks compared to the busy Mandalam-Makaravilakku season (November-December).

Reports indicate that some individuals posing as temple workers have been seen loitering around the premises. During the five days of each month when the Sannidhanam remains open, several thefts targeting Ayyappans (the pilgrims) have been reported.

Recently, a man from Tamil Nadu was arrested for breaking into a ‘kanikka vanchi’ (the wall/box slits that allow devotees to drop offerings in the form of coins or currency notes) and stealing money.

Many of these thieves wear T-shirts featuring images of Lord Ayyappa to blend in. When apprehended, they often claim to be workers in local shops. However, the truth is revealed upon inquiry with shop owners, who confirm that they do not employ these individuals. To combat this, Devaswom vigilance has instructed shop owners to issue identification cards to anyone coming to work.

In addition to personnel monitoring, key areas have been equipped with 24-hour camera surveillance. This system will keep an eye on staff as well and help prevent illegal activities such as unauthorised collections and fraudulent offerings.

Cameras have been installed in several critical locations, including ‘bhandaram’ (a place to put offerings in a temple), ‘sopanam’ (steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum), down ‘pathinettaampadi’ (the 18 steps of the Sabarimala temple), ‘kodimarachuvad’ (at the base of the flagstaff), ‘annadana mandapam’ (the place where food offered by the temple is served), ‘Malikappuram’ (the goddess shrine), ‘koprakalam’ (the place where coconuts, the major offering at the temple, are collected and dried), ‘nadappanthal’ (walkway), ‘mahaa kaanikka’ (treasury), ‘vadakkenada’ (north entrance), ‘Vavar nada’ (shrine dedicated to Vavar), and offering counters. The large hall meant for the 24-hour surveillance system will be operational when the temple doors open for pooja in the Thulam month of the Malayalam calendar.