18,216 devotees in just three hours; Thousands throng Sabarimala temple on Saturday

PATHANAMTHITTA: Nearly twenty thousand devotees thronged the holy hills during the first three hours after Sannidhanam opened on Saturday. As per records, 18,216 took darshan three hours after the temple opened on Saturday at 4 am. Even after the temple shrine was closed last night, a massive flow of devotees was witnessed until Saramkuthi.

In the first 12 days of the mandala pilgrimage, the temple coffers brought in Rs 63.01 crore. There is an increase of 15.89 crores over last year. Rs 3.53 crore was received through the sale of appam (temple offerings). Rs 28.93 crore was received through the sale of Aravana. This is 9.53 crore more than last time.

Devaswom Board President P. S. Prashanth credited the revenue increase to the deft work that has now ensured a smooth pilgrimage albeit a heavy rush season. Just days back, the chief tantric called out the tradition of leaving cloth in Pamba river, and rolling coconuts in Malikappuram. He dismissed the practice and termed it not part of any ritual. Awareness will be created among the devotees. He also clarified that officials will be appointed for this purpose.

As many as 87,999 people visited the shrine last Thursday, the most during this mandala season. Devaswom President assured of allowing more pilgrims to reach the shrine through spot booking facilities.