INDIA, January 20, 2025 (The Hindu): Marking the conclusion of a pilgrimage season that witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees, the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala closed its portals on Monday after a Pandalam Palace representative visited the temple and offered prayers here in the morning. The temple was opened in the morning at 5am and a Ganapati homam was performed. As is the custom, no other person was permitted to offer prayers at the temple during the day. Following this, the Melsanthi closed the sanctum sanctorum after covering the statue of the main Deity in sacred ash (Bhasmam) and handed over the keys to the palace representative, Thrikkettanaal Raja Raja Varma. The representative then accompanied the procession carrying the Thiruvabharanam (holy jewels) back to the Pandalam Palace. The entourage is scheduled to reach the palace on January 23.

According to P.S. Prashanth, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the pilgrimage season recorded a significant rise in the number of devotees, with approximately 631,000 more pilgrims making the journey this year. The total number of devotees reached 5.4 million, compared to 4.67 million in the previous season. This unprecedented influx has also boosted the temple’s income to record levels. Preliminary estimates indicate an increase of approximately US$1.04 million over the previous season’s income of $41.3 million, for a total this year of $42.34 million. According to Mr. Prashanth, this increased income will ensure financial security for 1,252 temples under the Board, as well as support over 13,000 families, including around 5,000 pensioners.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sabarimala-pilgrimage-season-draws-to-close/article69119606.ece

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