Sabarimala: The route for devotees to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala has changed. Sabarimala devotees had been demanding changes in the route for a long time. Now, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to change the ‘Darshan’ route in Sabarimala, so that the devotees will be able to get permission to directly darshan by climbing 18 holy stairs in Sannidhanam. TDB President PS Prashant said that this change will be implemented on the basis of testing from March 15 during monthly worship and will continue for 12 days during Vishu Puja.
Prashant said, “If it was successful, this change will be made permanent during the next Mandalam-Makarvilakku session.” He said that the board has received several requests, including thousands of letters of devotees, which requested a change in the route to improve the experience of philosophy while climbing 18 sacred stairs.
Viewing time will be 25 seconds instead of 5 seconds
Prashant said at a press conference, “Currently, devotees who have climbed the holy stairs are taken to the bridge, where they wait in the queue and then allowed to visit the other side. The decision was taken after receiving permission from the temple administration and after detailed discussion with the stakeholders. Prashant said, “With the new system, every devotee will get about 20 to 25 seconds to visit.”
Ayyappa devotees will meet here
To include Ayyappa devotees in the development of the temple, the Board will also organize a meeting of global Ayyappa devotees at Pamba. Prashant emphasized that the board has a shortage of adequate funds for development projects in Sabarimala and this meeting will provide an opportunity to the devotees to contribute enthusiastically. He said, “This will not be a big gathering.
Devotees can buy online pendants
Prashant announced that GRT Jewelers in Tamil Nadu and Kalyan Jewelers of Kerala have won the tender for the gold pendant with the image of Lord Ayyappa. These pendants will be available in size of 1 gram, 2 grams, 4 grams and 8 grams and will be distributed on 14 April as ‘Vishukantam’. He said, “Devotees who want to buy this pendant, website from April 1 You can book it online through www.sabarimalaonline.org. ”
30% increase in offering rate
The Travancore Devaswom Board has also decided to increase the rate of donation of the temple by 30 percent. Prashant said the rates were last amended in 2016, although the board has been empowered by the High Court to amend the rates every five years. Prashant said, “Due to floods and Kovid-19 epidemic, we could not implement any increase in rates. After nine years we are amending the rates after consultation, Lokpal recommendations and high court approval, the prices of essential commodities have increased three times in the last nine years, which has no option to adjust the rates.” He further said that in 2016, the board’s expenditure on salary and pension was Rs 380 crore, which has now increased to Rs 910 crore in 2025.
