KOCHI: Major temples along the Sabarimala pilgrim route in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts like the ones in Tripunithura are yet to be ready for the two-month long pilgrim season. The Tripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa temple, Aluva Mahadeva temple, Thalayolaparambu Siva temple, Vaikom Siva temple, Chottanikkara Devi temple, Kaduthuruthi Thaliyil temple and Vadayar-Elankavu Devi temple have not yet arranged necessary facilities for the pilgrims. Since special parking grounds and toilet complexes have not been set up, pilgrims are facing a tough time. However, Chottanikara Devi temple, a major short stay enroute Sabarimala has made necessary arrangements for pilgrims including food and shelter, facilities for cooking, security measures and proper sanitation.
Though, Elankavu temple and Vaikom temple have enough space and pond for the pilgrims to rest and to take bath, there are no parking lots and toilets. At Vaikom temple, breakfast is being provided to 1,000 people every day including Sabarimala pilgrims. “Even during the initial days of Sabarimala season, traffic congestion has become regular affair at Vaikom town. More than 1,000 Ayyappa devotees visit the temple per day and without having enough parking facility, they are forced to park vehicles including buses along roadside,” said M. Praveen, a regular commuter.
The Tripunithura Poornathrayeesa temple, where the annual festival Vrischikolsavam has started on Saturday, the temple authorities are yet to set up facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims. “Meanwhile, the Aluva Siva temple authorities have set up shelters to Ayyappans, but still lack proper toilet facility. The funds provided by the government are insufficient to meet all such requirements,” said sources in temple administration.
