Despite the ongoing Sabarimala gold-plating controversy, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, P S Prasanth, said large numbers of devotees turning up since October 17 show that faith in the shrine is intact. He also confirmed that preparations are complete for Draupadi Murmu’s visit on October 22.
P S Prasanth stated that the continuous flow of devotees to Sabarimala since the opening of the Thulam-month rituals indicates that the pilgrimage remains unaffected by the controversies surrounding the shrine. He acknowledged ongoing issues such as the gold-panel theft probe but insisted the temple’s functioning and the faith of the people would go their separate ways.
He pointed out that since Friday, devotees have been streaming in undeterred, and all arrangements are in place to ensure smooth darshan for all despite the investigations into the TDB and related temple management issues.
High-level visit added to security, logistical preparations
The TDB president revealed that the shrine is all set to receive President Draupadi Murmu on October 22. Security and crowd management arrangements have been strengthened, particularly along the traditional trekking route and Swami Ayyappan Road. Prasanth said that Murmu will reach the temple by noon on October 22 and after the darshan, she is scheduled to rest at the guest house at Sabarimala.
"She will leave for Thiruvananthapuram the same evening," Prasanth was quoted as telling PTI.
He said devotees will face some restrictions during the President’s darshan, but normal access will be restored immediately afterwards.
The visit is expected to draw significant attention and has prompted the TDB and police authorities to deploy extra resources to ensure no inconvenience to pilgrims.
