Massive Pilgrim Turnout At Sabarimala, But Revenue Declines By Rs 20 Crore

Sabarimala, located on the mountain ranges of Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 meters above sea level, is four km uphill from Pamba in Pathanamthitta district.

In the face of protests by the Opposition regarding the mismanagement of the crowd at Sabarimala temple, the authorities responsible for the pilgrimage found themselves unprepared due to the substantial turnout in recent days. Kerala CM Vijayan addressed the situation, acknowledging a daily influx of over 85,000 pilgrims, and assured that everything was under control in Sabarimala. Despite the significant turnout, the revenue generated at the renowned temple seemed to have decreased compared to the previous season.

On Friday, Travancore Devaswom Board, the entity overseeing the temple, reported that the total revenue generated from the sale of 'appam' and 'payasam' at Sabarimala amounted to Rs 134.44 crore in the 28 days from November 17 this year. The turnout was lower compared to the previous year's 28-day period, which recorded a profit of Rs 154.77 crore.

This year, there was a hue and cry by pilgrims due to alleged 'mismanagement' of the pilgrim inflow. The passengers had to reportedly wait for over 20 hours for the darshan as against 5-6 hours last year. 

Over 75,000 passengers have been visiting the temple every day. As a result, the roads to the temple town has also witnessed traffic jam. 

Sabarimala, located on the mountain ranges of Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 meters above sea level, is four km uphill from Pamba in Pathanamthitta district. Every year, pilgrims throng the temple from across the country to witness 'makaravilakku'. 

The pilgrims will carry an 'Irumudi' with coconuts which should be broken before climbing the 18 steps. The pilgrims without the 'Irumudi' are not allowed to enter the Sannidhanam. 

The first phase of the present two-month-long season that began on November 17 ends on December 27 and reopens again on December 30 for the second phase.

Post-puberty, women and girl children are prohibited from entering the temple, but they are permitted after reaching menopause. Until that point, women and girls can travel on foot to access the temple until Pamba.