Swami Ayyappan untouched by Controversies-Holy Abode Opens Today

Pathanamthitta: : Holy abode of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala opens today evening for the 41-day Mandalavilakku pilgrimage season starting Saturday. The Mandalam pilgrimage season which starts on the first day of Vrischikam 1 of the Malayalam calendar (Saturday), will conclude on Dhanu 11. The temple will reopen later for the Makaravilakku poojas.

Although vested interests are engaged in various attempts than ever to defame the Temple, Devotees thronging the Temple during Mandala seasons increases every year.

The attempt to destroy the Temple started from early Fifties still continues unabated. In 1950’s they tried to burn the holy abode, In 60’s and 70’s a well planned effort were in place to ignite controversy over Divya Jyothi, In 80’s Nilackal issue came up where the Christian Missionaries planted Cross here. After failing in all the efforts in 90’s the very same forces spread the rumour that Sabarimala pilgrimage is injurious to health by highlighting drainage and wastage issues.

Incidents like Actress Jayamala’s revealation, Unnikrishna Pannikkars Devaprasnam, Aravana Controversies, arrest of Jihadi Terrorists last year, Controversy bounding Temple Thantri, Entry of women in Sabarimala, Aravana Contract to a Muslim, e-Darsan announcement all points that a deliberate attempt is under work to destroy the sanctity of the Temple.

Present Government and Devaswom board is also an utter failure in providing even the basic amenities to Pilgriims.When crores of Rupees are being lapsed in names of Haj Houses and Haj Subsidy to Haj pilgrims, The Holy Sabarimala is completely neglected.

The work on the sewage treatment plant at Sannidhanam and expansion of the Pampa treatment plant are yet to begin. No progress is made in the widening scheme of Pampa-Sannidhanam trekking path due to negative stand taken by Forest Department. The proposed new building for the cardiology centre at Appachimedu and Toilet complexes at Sannidhanam and Pampa remains in paper.

The new prasadam manufacturing and distribution complex at Pandithavalam, which was planned two years ago with the objective to reduce the congestion in Lower Thirumuttam at Sannidhanam is also no where. The Pampa Action Plan schemes were not implemented though the Central Government had sanctioned Rs 18 crore three years ago