Sabarimala Pilgrims Routed via Bharanaghanam: Christian Nexus to Belittle Kadappattoor Mahadeva Temple?

Kottayam: Sabarimala bound pilgrims who travel via Pala, Ponkunnam, Chirakkadavu, Cheruvalli etc are now being diverted via a totally different route. The new route, which is via Bharanghanam andEerattupetta is said to be dotted with sign boards in all South Indian languages highlighting Christian saint Alphonsamma and the Aruvithara Church. This move is being seen as a deliberate one, diminishing the significance of an interim holy halt, that of Kadappattoor Mahadeva Temple, there by belittling the sacred place.

The route via Kadappattoor has been an oft used path for those bound to the holy shrine fro North Kerala and other states in the same direction, which mounts up to 40% of the pilgrims. Sources have indicated that pilgrims are now being directed via a new route, with sign boards calling for a change of route from Koothattukulam in Muvattupuzha- they are being directed to go to Kanjirappilly via Bharanghanam, Eerattupetta and Aruvithura and proceed to Erumeli from there. This is being discerned as belittling of the Lord at Kadappattoor.

Also, the new route offers very few places of respite for pilgrims.
Until last year, Sabarimala bound pilgrims would pay obeisance at the
temples in Amanakara, ramapuram, Palliyapuram etc when they pass
Koothattukulam and then offer prayers to Lord Mahadeva at Kadappattoor. The place has also been a long term resting point for pilgrims.

This time, the route has been changed under pretext of construction
and renewal of roads. However, it is widely suspected that pilgrims
are being diverted from their route so that they take notice of the
Christian shrines of Alphonsamma at Bharangyanam and Aruvithara Church
in Eerattupetta. This, especially since the entire way has been dotted
with sign boards in South Indian languages, with directions on how to
reach these places. The sign boards, according to sources, have been
set up with the beginning of Mandalam season.

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