Travancore Devaswom Board changes darshan route to Sabarimala from March 15

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to change the route for darshan at Sabarimala Temple. This will facilitate devotees a direct darshan as they climb the holy 18 steps at Sannidhanam.

TDB president P S Prasanth announced that this change would be implemented on a trial basis from March 15 amidst the monthly pooja and would continue for 12 days during the Vishu Pooja.

Prasanth added that if the change proves successful, it will be made permanent amidst the next Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.

The change is made after the Board received numerous requests, including thousands of letters from devotees, urging a revision of the route to facilitate a better darshan experience upon climbing the 18 holy steps.

At a press conference Prasanth mentioned that as of now, devotees who ascend the holy steps are directed to a bridge, where they wait in a queue before proceeding to the other side for darshan. This setup allows them barely five seconds for darshan, and nearly 80 per cent of the lakhs of devotees visiting Sabarimala do not get a satisfactory experience.

The decision was taken after obtaining permission from the Temple Tantri and holding detailed discussions with stakeholders.

Prasanth added that with the new arrangement, each devotee will get approximately 20 to 25 seconds.
To involve Ayyappa devotees in the temple’s development, the Board will also organise a global Ayyappa devotees’ meet at Pamba.

Prasanth highlighted that the Board lacks sufficient funds for development projects at Sabarimala, and the meet would provide an opportunity for devotees to eagerly contribute.

This will not be a large gathering. We expect about 150 participants. It is planned as a two-day event in May when the temple opens for the monthly pooja.

News Edit KV Raman