Sabarimala pilgrims facing hardships

Though the number of Sabarimala pilgrims arriving at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is increasing day by day, the lack of adequate facilities is putting the pilgrims to immense suffering.

''Inadequate number of toilets is one of the main problems faced by pilgrims from other states,'' said Subrahmanian, a devotee who arrived from Tamil Nadu.

''The City Corporation, which has the responsibility to ensure facilities for pilgrims, is doing very little,'' said Ayyappa Seva Samajam secretary Jayakumar.

''The three toilet complexes in front of the temple are quite inadequate to cater to the demands of the large number of pilgrims. The Corporation should set up temporary toilets near the temple,'' he said.

''There is sufficient space near the Vaikuntam and the Bhajanappura palace to set up temporary toilets,'' he said. Some pilgrims complained that the hotels and wayside eateries are charging exorbitant rates from pilgrims too.

''Many of us who arrive from other states are poor. But we are charged high rates at these hotels,'' said Aditya, a driver and a pilgrim who came from Karnataka. Most of the hotels still do not display the price list, despite a warning from the district administration.

Though sufficient traffic personnel were absent in the initial days, more number of policemen have been deployed near the temple on Sunday. Pilgrims' vehicles are now diverted to Attukal, Enchakkal and Karikkakom areas now. But absence of toilet facilities is posing problems for pilgrims arriving at Enchakkal.

The temple authorities should take steps to put an end to the fleecing of pilgrims in the temple, said Jayakumar. ''Traders inside the temple complex give pilgrims the 'thattam' with coconut, fruits and flowers to be offered to the Lord. But many come to know that it would cost them Rs 50 only when they are approached by their agents near the main door,'' said Jayakumar.

Many also flayed the special 'darshan [...]

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