A Devotee’s Voice: Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa
A Devotee’s Voice | By Jothi Manikandan Raja
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
With a heavy heart and folded hands, I raise my humble voice as a devotee of Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala is not just a place of pilgrimage; it is a sacred journey of faith, discipline, and equality. But today, many devotees are feeling pain and disappointment during this holy yatra.
There is still no proper crowd management system in Sabarimala. Due to this, devotees suffer a lot. In some places, it is very painful to see police using force and even beating devotees. We come with devotion, not with anger, and such moments hurt the spirit of Ayyappa bhakti.
Day by day, the traditional culture of Sabarimala feels disturbed. During my visit, I personally witnessed situations that deeply confused and saddened me. The age-old customs and discipline of this sacred place must be protected with care and responsibility.
I personally observed that the number of third gender people visiting Sabarimala is increasing day by day.
Many devotees feel that the present system treats pilgrims without dignity, as if they are not humans but numbers in a crowd. This is not the way a holy pilgrimage should be handled. Ayyappa devotees deserve respect, patience, and humane treatment.
At that time, I tried to share a video to raise awareness, but due to very poor internet connectivity, I was unable to send it. Even communication becomes difficult during times of distress.
I must also mention one positive change. This time, there are some improved bathroom facilities and water facilities, which is a relief. Also, bus services from Pamba to Nilakkal and from Nilakkal to Pamba are available and helpful. For this, we are thankful.
But apart from these few improvements, nothing much has changed. Devotees are still forced to pay prices higher than the MRP for basic items. This creates unnecessary burden and suffering during a spiritual journey.
Swami, I kindly request everyone to raise their voice with calmness and devotion. Let us protect the purity, discipline, and sacred traditions of Sabarimala. Let our voices be soft, but our faith be strong.
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.