karmakerala.com news

Malayalees seem to have forgotten about the customary rituals and purity associated with the Sabarimala temple visit.  Gone are the days when pilgrims used to observe 41 days of strict austerities by abstaining from liquor, non vegetarian food and physical pleasures before visiting the temple for Mandala pooja.

For many, it has become more of a pleasure trip where youngsters travel in groups, making merry and savouring  liquor and non vegetarian food till they reach this famous hill shrine. These vociferous groups destroy the sanctity and tranquility of the temple premises by indulging in loud conversations and indecent demanour, causing mental distress to aged pilgrims and other devotees who wait for hours together in serpentine queues to get a glance of the diety. Pilgrimage to Sabarimala has some unique customs and strict codes of conduct unlike many other temples. Those who cannot stick to the codes of conduct in force in the shrine should desist from going there so as not to cause disturbance to the other devotees.