Hindu Aikya Vedi Opposes Sabarimala’s New Bhasmakulam Project
Pathanamthitta– Construction of a new Bhasmakulam at Sabarimala Sannidhanam has begun, but the project faces fierce opposition over safety and necessity concerns.
Approved by the Sabarimala Master Plan Committee, the pond is being built behind the Valiya Nadapanthal in Meenam Rasi. It spans 15.72m wide, 21m long, and 13ft deep, with 5ft of water and steps on all sides. A 5-lakh-litre water treatment plant ensures constant purification. The existing Bhasmakulam in Kumbham Rasi remains operational.
Inaugurated by Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth and Tantri Kanthararu Rajeevaru, the project is sponsored by Adv. K.G. Anil Kumar, CMD of ICL Fincorp. Key attendees included architect K. Muralidharan Nair, sculptor Rajesh, and officials Muraribabu, Shyamaprasad, and Biju V. Nath.
The Hindu Aikya Vedi, led by State Vice President Adv. K. Haridas, has accused the authorities of pursuing a project aimed at “destroying Sabarimala.” Haridas argues that the new Bhasmakulam poses a threat to the temple, the Thirumuttam (temple courtyard), and the Nadapanthal due to its location on a hilltop. He warns that the construction could lead to landslides, causing the courtyard to collapse.
Haridas revealed that the Kerala Police initially submitted a report highlighting the project’s safety risks, leading the Kerala High Court to deny permission and block plans to decommission the existing Bhasmakulam. However, he alleges that government intervention resulted in a revised, favorable police report, allowing the project to proceed. The stated reason for moving forward is the availability of a sponsor, which Haridas sarcastically questions: “If a sponsor is found, will they build an amusement park at Sannidhanam next?”
Haridas emphasized that Sabarimala’s immediate need is not a new pond but proper toilet facilities for pilgrims. During Vishu, devotees struggled without adequate sanitation, forced to run in search of facilities. The Devaswom Board claims the new pond is for women and children, but Haridas questions how they would access it amidst crowded queues. He asserts that neither devotees nor Hindu organizations have demanded a new Bhasmakulam, making the Board’s motives “highly suspicious.”
The Hindu Aikya Vedi alleges that the project is a scheme to misappropriate crores through commissions, with the sponsor’s funds being exploited. Haridas called the initiative a “program to siphon off money,” vowing that the organization will launch protests if the Devaswom Board does not abandon the project. Pathanamthitta District Secretary K.S. Sateeshkumar, Treasurer Ramesh Mannur, and Co-Organizing Secretary K.P. Suresh echoed these sentiments during a press conference.
The new Bhasmakulam aims to modernize facilities at Sabarimala, but its location and approval process have raised serious concerns. The Hindu Aikya Vedi’s allegations of structural risks, financial misconduct, and misplaced priorities highlight the need for greater transparency and stakeholder consultation to ensure the safety and sanctity of this revered pilgrimage site.