Huge irregularities found in Sabarimala Padi Pooja booking; files to be seized

KOCHI: After reports emerged of Gold theft, money laundering, and theft of ghee in Sabarimala, the High Court also intervened strictly in the Sabarimala Padi Pooja booking irregularities. The court ordered the seizure of the booking files and produce the same in court.

The serious irregularities were discovered by the Devaswom Vigilance. Padi Pooja bookings up to 2045 have been completed. Some individuals acquire bookings in bulk by giving fake addresses. Later, they resell them for double the price.

The Chief Vigilance and Security Officer has been instructed to produce the registers and other documents in a sealed cover. The order of the Devaswom bench comprising Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K. V. Jayakumar was based on the report submitted by the Special Commissioner regarding the deficiencies in the Kumbh month puja. The case will be considered again on March 4. The Sabarimala Executive Officer should be present on that day. The report states that the cleanliness standards have deteriorated during the Kumbh month due to the shortage of cleaning workers at the Sannidhanam. The Devaswom Board assured the court that they would do the necessary to not repeat the mistake.

Padi Pooja is performed during the Mandala Makaravilakku period, five days after Makaravilakku, when the temple is opened for ‘Masapuja’ and other assorted special rituals. The pooja is performed by the Thantri in the presence of the Melshanthi (chief priest).

One devotee per day is allowed to perform Padi Pooja. The rate is Rs 1,37,900. Those who book now will get the opportunity only after 2045. Using this as an opportunity, middlemen are exploiting devotees. As per the rules, those who book Padi Pooja should be informed of the date in advance through a letter. However, the practice is not being followed. Middlemen charge between Rs 3 to 5 lakh. The offerings of those who are abroad and those who cancel after booking will also be reversed, swindling lakhs.

In the situation where the booking of Padi Pooja is completed till 2045, Vigilance has proposed that the information of devotees be published a year in advance to ensure transparency.