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To protect the environment, the Travancore Devaswom Board has updated the guidelines for what pilgrims can carry in the Irumudikettu, the sacred bundle taken by devotees visiting the Sabarimala temple. The Board has specified certain items that are essential for offerings to Lord Ayyappa, aiming to make the pilgrimage more eco-friendly by minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.
The primary reason behind this change is to address the environmental issues caused by plastic waste and non-essential items brought by pilgrims. In particular, items like rose water, incense sticks, and camphor have been removed from the list, as these were identified as unnecessary and potentially harmful to the environment. The temple staff and officials have been instructed to strictly enforce these guidelines, ensuring that devotees bring only the approved items in their Irumudikettu.
This initiative reflects the Board's commitment to preserving the natural beauty and sanctity of Sabarimala, a highly revered pilgrimage site. By adopting these eco-friendly measures, the Board hopes to create a sustainable and respectful pilgrimage experience, where religious practices are balanced with ecological care.
This decision was prompted by a letter from Sabarimala priest Kantararu Rajeevaru, who suggested that the items in the Irumudikettu be carefully selected with an environmental perspective. Following this, the Devaswom Board approved a list of items that devotees can include in the sacred bundle. For the front knot, devotees are permitted to carry brown rice grains, a coconut filled with ghee (known as Neyy thenga), jaggery, bananas, betel leaves, areca nut, and currency coins known as Kaani ponnu. The back knot should contain only a small quantity of rice as an offering at Sabarimala.
The Travancore Devaswom Board's revised guidelines encourage a mindful approach to devotion, urging pilgrims to contribute positively to the environment. This move not only helps reduce waste in the Sabarimala region but also supports a healthier and more meaningful pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
