SANNIDHANAM: Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar has come forward saying that the 'kanikka' amount and the number of devotees reaching Sabarimala has increased this year. He was speaking to reporters at Sannidhanam. "68 lakh people had reached Sabarimala in 2017. However, this year 30 lakh people have come to visit the temple already. Devaswom board do not have to rely on fake details. Many former devaswom presidents have said that about 5 crore devotees come visit the temple each year. However, if 100 people come in one minute, only 72 lakh people can visit the temple.
Devaswom board had recieved Rs 59 crore as 'kanikka' in 2017. However, this year we have recieved Rs 42.33 crore. Appam (2017-12.19 crore, 2018 - 3.88 crore), Aravana (2017-Rs 70.68 crore, 2018-Rs 40.99 crore)", said Padmakumar.