The Kerala High Court Today (Oct 8) ordered the State’s Travancore Devaswom Board to take action against private entities found illegally charging Lord Ayappa devotees visiting Sabarimala temple for the ‘pottukuthal’ (applying Vibhuthi, Sindoor, or Chandanam) ritual. Bench made it clear that the Court would not tolerate any such instance of Sabarimala pilgrims being exploited.
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Kochi: The Kerala High Court took a significant step in safeguarding the rights of Lord Ayyappa devotees by directing the Travancore Devaswom Board to act against private entities that are illegally charging pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple for the ‘pottukuthal’ ritual, which involves the application of Vibhuthi, Sindoor, or Chandanam.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and PG Ajithkumar made it clear that the Court would not tolerate the exploitation of pilgrims at Sabarimala. The Court strongly condemned any such practices that prey on devotees seeking to perform rituals during their pilgrimage.
“Exploitation of pilgrims who are on pilgrimage to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa cannot be permitted… No devotee or Sabarimala pilgrim can be exploited by any person the based on any usage like the one stated in the order (pottukuthal)”
-the Bench observed.
The ruling emphasized-
“No devotee or Sabarimala pilgrim can be exploited by any person.”
The Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure that such exploitation is completely eradicated in all temples under its management. The Bench also highlighted the ongoing supervision of temple activities, especially at edathavalams (temples) during the Makaravilakk festival, based on reports from the Special Commissioner of Sabarimala.
“It is for the Board to take necessary steps to ensure no illegal activity by any person is permitted inside the temple premises of either Erumeli temple or any of the temples under its management during Maasa Pooja and Mandala Magaram Velak,”
-the Court ordered, reinforcing the need for the Board’s vigilance.
The petition before the Court challenged a tender notification previously issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board, which had allowed recognized private entities to charge Rs 10 per person at Erumeli, the main base camp for pilgrims, for the pottukuthal ritual.
The petitioners, devotees of Lord Ayyappa, argued that the tender notification violated their constitutional right to religious freedom, as pottukuthal had always been performed freely by pilgrims. While devotees had the option of making voluntary donations via hundis (cash collection boxes), they were never mandated to pay for the ritual.
In defense, the Devaswom Board attempted to justify its tender by claiming that it aimed to curb unauthorized individuals from charging exorbitant fees from the pilgrims for performing the ritual.
However, the Board has since rolled back the tender, stating that pottukuthal would now be offered free of charge by the Board itself.
They have also assured the Court that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found charging pilgrims for the ritual.
The Board clarified that pottukuthal, which is performed after the sacred dance (pettathullal) or a holy bath in the Erumeli River, is not an essential religious ritual at the Erumeli temple. However, it remains a longstanding custom that many Sabarimala pilgrims choose to follow.
To facilitate the ritual without the involvement of unauthorized individuals, the Board’s counsel informed the Court that mirrors have been installed in strategic locations such as Nadapanthal and Aanakott. Below these mirrors, vibhuti, sindoor, and chandanam have been placed, allowing devotees to perform pottukuthal independently.
The matter is set for further hearing on October 15.
The petitioners in this case were represented by advocates Sajith Kumar V, Vivek AV, and Sreehari VS.
CASE TITLE:
[Manoj S Nair & anr v Travancore Devaswom Board & ors].
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