High demand, long wait: Tantri addresses Sabarimala Padi Pooja frequency

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Chief Tantri of the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, has addressed recent discussions regarding the Padi Pooja. He stated clearly that only one Padi Pooja can be performed each day. While the number of participants in a single ritual session can be increased, the ritual itself remains restricted by established theological traditions.

The Kerala High Court recently directed the Tantri to determine if the frequency of this ritual could be increased to accommodate the high volume of devotees. The court suggested this move if no ritualistic impediments exist. In response, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru noted that he has not yet received a formal request from the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding this suggestion. He emphasised that as the Tantri, his role is limited to providing guidance on the ritualistic validity of such changes.

The Tantri highlighted that several major ceremonies—such as Udayasthamana Pooja, Ulsava Bali, and Sahasrakalasham—are strictly performed once daily. He suggested that the court’s recommendation likely aimed to increase the number of devotees allowed to participate in a single Padi Pooja, rather than increasing the frequency of the ceremony itself.

The official booking fee for a Padi Pooja is set at Rs 1,37,900. Devotees must also cover significant additional costs. These include the decoration of the eighteen holy steps, the engagement of traditional percussion ensembles (melam), ceremonial silk embroidery on the steps, and the offering of Dakshina.

The ritual is performed only during specific times—such as the five days following Makaravilakku, monthly poojas, and certain festival days—demand far exceeds supply. Consequently, the current waiting period for a booking now exceeds ten years. The Tantri concluded that any final decision on managing these offerings must be reached through formal consultation between the Travancore Devaswom Board and the relevant stakeholders.