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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, November 12, 2004: The centuries-old Sabarimala hill shrine in Kerala is readying to receive millions of pilgrims. All arrangements are complete for the commencement of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season that begins Nov 16 and goes on to the third week of January. “Taking into consideration the dramatic increase of pilgrims every season, several new pilgrim-friendly facilities like better healthcare, many more resting places and more information counters have been set up,” said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy. Last year, around 30 million pilgrims visited the Sabarimala temple situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, 914 metres above sea level, and four kilometres uphill from Pamba in central Kerala. The shrine is only accessible on foot from Pamba. Last week, Chandy met his ministers to discuss arrangements for the pilgrimage. His cabinet, however, ruled out construction of a helipad atop the hill following protests from devotees that it would spoil the essence of the arduous pilgrimage. Even though the temple is now open throughout the year, the peak pilgrimage season is between November and January. Pilgrims coming to the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa undertake an intense 41-day penance when they go around barefoot, wear only black clothes and avoid meat. Pilgrims also carry a cloth bag carrying ghee-filled coconuts that is cracked open at Sabarimala. The ghee is poured on the deity. This, believe devotees, unites their soul with the God’s, taking the pilgrimage to its zenith. The Travancore Devasom Board, which runs the temple, has earnings of around $12 million a year from offerings in cash and kind.

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