Sabarimala rush sees revenue rise 64% from year-ago period

With Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala witnessing a heavy flow of devotees, income of shrine has touched over Rs 69 crore in first 20 days of ongoing two-month-long pilgrim season.

Till December 6, revenue touched Rs 69.39 crore which was about Rs 27.55 crore more than it was in corresponding period of 2018-19 pilgrim season, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) that administers affairs of shrine, said.

During previous season, revenue during period was Rs 41.84 crore, a TDB member Vijaykumar said. shrine had opened for mandala pooja on vember 16.

While sale from 'aravana prasadam' touched Rs 28.26 crore, from 'appam prasadam' it was Rs 4.2 crore during period. 'hundi' collections stood at Rs 23.58 crore.

READ | Sabarimala: Law Minister Says Kerala Govt Will t Provide Police Protection To Anyone

temple complex and many parts of state had witnessed unprecedented protests last year after CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement September 28 apex court verdict allowing women of all groups to offer prayers at hill shrine.

This year, government has said it would decide on wher to provide police cover for women between 10-50 years of to offer worship at temple on basis of apex court's directions on petitions filed by some women activists.

Bhumata brigade leader Trupti Desai had to return from Kochi once again this year without being able to go to Sabarimala following protests by devotees opposing entry of women in menstrual group into temple.

Police, citing security reasons, also refused m protection. 

READ | Watch: SC Orders Kerala Govt To Formulate New Law On Sabarimala Temple

READ | Trupti Desai: 'Will Visit Sabarimala Temple As It Is Our Constitutional Right'