30% Increase In Rates of Offerings and Elephant Restrictions Under TDB
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced a 30% increase in the rates of offerings (Vazhipadu) at around 1,252 temples under its jurisdiction, with the exception of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple. TDB President P.S. Prasanth revealed this decision during a press conference on Monday, emphasizing that the adjustment aligns with a High Court directive permitting the Board to revise rates every five years.
Mr. Prasanth noted that the last revision occurred in 2016, with subsequent updates delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted a significant rise in operational costs since then, with the price of pooja items escalating and the Board’s annual expenditure surging from ₹350 crore in 2016 to ₹900 crore last year. “This revision is essential to address the financial realities we face,” he explained.
In response to recurring incidents involving unruly elephants and resulting human casualties on temple premises, the TDB is contemplating stricter regulations on elephant processions. Mr. Prasanth stated that the Board intends to consult the State government to formulate these measures. Under the proposed plan, elephants would be utilized solely for the aarattu and pallivetta rituals during festivals, while chariots or cars would replace them on regular festival days. A final decision will be made following discussions with temple Thantri's.
Additionally, the TDB plans to ban high-decibel Nashik dhols, laser light displays, and DJ performances during events involving elephants to enhance safety and maintain decorum. Addressing queries about the ongoing debate over lifting the shirt ban at TDB-managed temples, Mr. Prasanth remarked “the present discussion is in the right direction,” he said.”
The Devaswom Board President said that there will be a completely new method of darshan for Sabarimala devotees from Medam month onwards. The trial run of the system for devotees to reach the shrine from both sides of the flagpole and the Balikalpura without climbing the flyover will start from the Meenamasa Puja. Currently, the time allotted for Ayyappa darshan is five seconds, but with the new system, the time allotted for darshan will be 20 to 30 seconds. If successful, this will be the way of darshan in Sabarimala later.
