Sabarimala assistant priest’s helper collapses and dies, temple opened after purification

PATHANAMTHITTA: Sabarimala Keezh Santhi’s (assistant priest) helper collapsed and died. The dead is Ram Kumar (43) of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. He was found lying collapsed in the room Thursday morning. Though he was taken to Sannidhanam hospital, his life could not be saved. Following the incident, the temple was opened 20 minutes late today. The temple opened after purification ceremony. Pilgrims had to wait for a long time as there was a delay in opening the temple.

Meantime, there is a huge rush in Sannidhanam. The high court had yesterday directed the Pathanamthitta district collector and police chief to take immediate steps to control the heavy rush. The action of the court is based on the situation of waiting for more than 10 hours for darshan in the past few days.

The devaswom board had informed that about 20 percent of the devotees are women and children. A division bench including Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice G Gireesh also said that the inadequacy of the 'FASTag' system to collect vehicle parking fee at Nilakkal should be resolved. The case will be considered again on Tuesday. Devaswom board informed that facilities have been provided at edathavalams and the list of it is available on the virtual queue website.