Kerala CM first Marxist leader to visit Sabarimala

Creating history by becoming the first Marxist leader to visit the famed Sabarimala temple, 84-year-old Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan trekked an eight-km-long dense forest route to have a first hand knowledge of the problems faced by the devotees.

Velikakathu Shankaran Achuthanandan, popularly known as 'Comrade VS', heading the CPM-led LDF government, reached the hilltop here on Sunday night after a three-hour-long walk along with thousands of pilgrims pouring into the shrine to have a darshan of Lord Ayyappa during the peak pilgrimage season.

Not showing any strains of the long trekking, Achuthanandan who is also a regular practitioner of Yoga, presided over a series of meetings with the temple officials and announced a master-plan to develop this remote shrine, currently attracting, lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country.

Devotees observe a 48-day strict regime before making their pilgrimage, carrying 'erumudi' (offerings) on their heads.

The shrine believed to have been existing since 1200 AD, also represents a secular character as devotees first offer worship at the mosque of Vavar, a Muslim associate of Ayyappa.

Though the shrine is open to people from all religions, women in the age group of 10-50 are however, banned from entering it.

Achuthanandan made the visit following a spate of complaints leading to vocal protests by the devotees about poor arrangements, including distribution of aravana prasadam .

He told reporters before leaving the shrine that the works for improving various amenities at Sabarimala under the master-plan would be implemented on a time-bound basis.

He also reviewed the arrangements for the 'Makaravillaku', the second phase of the pilgrimage season when 'Makara Jyothi' a 'divine light' briefly appears opposite the hillshrine on January 14, every year, believed to be Ayyappa's birthday.

Achuthanandan said steps had been taken to resolve the shortage of aravana prasadam .

"With the completion of master-plan, the difficulties felt by Ayyappa devotees during their journey to the hill-top would be over", he said.

The master-plan envisages, among other things, setting up resting centres, toilet facilities and drinking water provision along the forest route.

He also inaugurated a cardiac centre with operation facility at the temple complex. The state Health Minister P K Sreemathi and Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran were among those present with him.

Back                          Top