The Kerala High Court has instructed the Travancore Devaswom Board to prevent any illegal activities aimed at exploiting pilgrims within the premises of the Erumely Dharma Shastha Temple.

The order was issued by the Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar in response to a petition challenging the notice inviting tenders from private agencies to manage pottukuthal. Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala engage in pottukuthal after taking a holy dip in the Erumely River, during which they apply Vibhoothi, Chandan, and Kumkum on their foreheads and various parts of their bodies.

According to the tender notice, the agency selected for this task is allowed to charge devotees up to Rs. 10 for the pottukuthal custom. During the previous hearing, the Devaswom Board informed the Court that the tender was issued because unauthorized individuals were charging devotees for this service, despite the temple authorities providing Vibhoothi, Chandan, and Kumkum free of charge.

The Standing Counsel for the Board informed the Court that three mirrors are set up in the nadapanthal of the temple during the masapooja and mandalam-makaravilakku periods, where devotees can find Vibhoothi, Chandan, and Kumkum. Devotees can apply these freely to their bodies without any charge.

The Court directed the Board to ensure that there are no unauthorized activities in the temple.

“Exploitation of pilgrims who are on their pilgrimage to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa cannot be permitted.”

During the last hearing, the Court inquired whether pottukuthal is considered an essential religious practice. In today’s proceedings, the Board clarified that pottukuthal is not a ritual specific to the Erumely Dharma Shastha Temple but rather a custom followed by Sabarimala pilgrims participating in pettathullal during the masapooja and mandalam-makaravilakku festival.