Author: Our Staff Reporter
Publication: The Hindu
Date: December 26, 2002
URL: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/12/26/stories/2002122602230300.htm
The total revenue collection at
the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple during the ongoing Mandalam season crossed
Rs. 30 crores on Tuesday.
According to the TDB public relations
officer, Mohan Perinad, the total revenue collection at Sabarimala as on
Tuesday was Rs. 30,63,90,613. He said that the revenue collection during
the same period in the previous season was only Rs. 26,33,21,478.
Mr. Perinad said that the revenue
through the sale of Aravana payasam alone was Rs. 10,83,42,705 as on Tuesday
which was only Rs. 8,98,58,875 during the same period in the previous season.
Meanwhile, the sale of Appam has
recorded a collection of Rs. 3,81,40,130 while the Hundi collection was
Rs. 11,21,71,786 as on Tuesday, he added.
The police sources at Sannidhanam
say that a heavy rush of devotees continues at the holy hillock for the
fourth day today.
The police had to block the flow
of pilgrims heading towards Sannidhanam at Pampa for a few hours on Tuesday
night so as to ease the human pressure at the holy hillock and on the trekking
path.
Meanwhile, the procession carrying
the Thanka Anki to Sabarimala was accorded a rousing reception at the Malayalapuzha
Devi Temple this morning.
The Thanka Anki procession reached
the Perinad Sastha Temple this evening and would proceed to Pampa via Lahai,
Nilackal and Chalakayam tomorrow.
The Devaswom Minister, G. Karthikeyan,
will receive the sacred golden attire. The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappaseva
Sanghom volunteers will take the Anki to Sannidhanam from Pampa, later
in the afternoon.
The Ayyappa idol will be adorned
with the Anki prior to the Deeparadhana tomorrow.
