Kochi: In an effort to lighten the effect of demonetisation on Ayyappa devotees, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has introduced new 'Prasadam kits' worth Rs 2,000 and Rs 500. The board hopes this will help pilgrims tide over the shortage of lower denomination notes, especially that of Rs 100. "A decision was taken to introduce the kits based on the report of the Sabarimala executive officer about the problem especially at Prasadam sale counter. For the purchase of the kits, the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes too will be accepted," TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan told DC.
A can of aravana prasadam costs Rs 60 and appam Rs 25. There was no specific price kit so far. "Most pilgrims submit the new Rs 2,000 notes now. We don't have enough 'change' which is resulting in the long wait of pilgrims in the queue," a TDB official said. The Rs 2,000 prasadam kit includes 10 tins of aravana payasam, 11 packets of appam, 100 ML sacred ghee, two sets of 'vibhuti', Ayyappachakram, sacred bell (both big and small) and two sets of udayata offered to Malaikapurathamma.
The cost also includes a packing charge of Rs 60. The Rs 500 kit includes two tins of Aravana payasam, two packets of appam, single set of 'vibhuti, sacred bell, 100 ML sacred ghee. In the previous days, the TDB had introduced e-hundi, card swiping and opening of special counters to exchange the old notes. Out of the Rs 22.66 crore aggregate revenue of the Ayyappa temple during the first week, the income from the sale of aravana prasadam alone stood at Rs 8.90 crore ( against Rs 6.54 crore during the same period last season) and appam prasadam Rs 1.79 crore (as against Rs 1.15 crore).
