Easing the journey for Sabarimalapilgrims

A string of devotee-friendly measures are in the pipeline for the convenience of those going to Sabarimala this time. The Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam is planning to take up steps that help pilgrims in smooth visit of the hill shrine after observing 41-day ‘deeksha’.

As parts of its endeavour, the organisation has decided to set up 55 information centres on the routes connecting Sabarimala from Andhra Pradesh. These centres will press into service vehicle repairers if devotees’ vehicles get stranded after developing snags.

“Route maps will also be provided to the devotees and in case of accidents, organisation volunteers will rush to the spot to take up rescue operations,” according to K Suresh Kumar, Samajam Joint Secretary.

Information centres would be established on Madurai, Kottayyam, Trivandrum and Srisailam routes as a majority of devotees reach Sabarimala via Pampa through these areas. Plans have been chalked out to start a toll-free number to provide round-the-clock information about Sabarimala yatra.

“We have already submitted a memorandum to the ministers from Krishna district and Telecom officials in Hyderabad in this regard,” he said.

Ayyappa Swamis visit Sabarimala from November 16 to December 26 for ‘mandala puja’ or ‘padi puja’ from December 30 to January 19 after completing 41-day ‘deeksha’, said Mr. Suresh. Most of them travel by train while others in their own cars or rented vehicles. More than one lakh devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are likely to visit Sabarimala this time.

The organisation is gearing up to set up four free food distribution centres at Sabarimala ‘Sannidhanam’, Erumeli and Koonamkara at a cost of over Rs.1.50 crore.

“We will serve chapati and upma in the morning and evening and Andhra meals for lunch,” he said and claimed the organisation was taking devotee-friendly measures in view of the hardships being faced by devotees every year.