Concerns Raised Over Condition of Thiruvabharanam Procession Route
Pathanamthitta: With the annual Thiruvabharanam procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala approaching, devotees and religious organisations have expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the historic pilgrimage route. They have called for the immediate removal of encroachments and obstructions to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The Thiruvabharanam procession, during which the sacred ornaments are carried to the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Sannidhanam, traditionally began after the devastating fire of 1902–03 and the subsequent reconstruction of the temple. The route extends nearly 83 km, passing through more than a dozen villages across two taluks. About 43 km runs through inhabited areas, while the remaining 40 km passes through forest regions.
According to Adv D Vijayakumar, general secretary of the Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham, the route—also known as the Rajapatha or Pandalam Thara—was originally constructed by the Pandalam Raja and had a width ranging from five to 42 metres. “Due to widespread encroachments, the width has been severely reduced in many places, making parts of the route unsafe and difficult to use, especially for barefoot pilgrims and elderly guruswamis accompanying the sacred jewellery,” he said.
In 2008, the Thiruvabharanam Patha Samrakshana Samithi approached the court, leading to a survey of encroachments and the installation of boundary stones the following year. However, activists allege that encroachments have not been fully cleared even after these measures.
Samithi general secretary Prasad Kuzhikkala pointed out that several sections of the route remain blocked by dumped logs, stones, soil and concrete rings.
Maintenance of the route in inhabited areas falls under the responsibility of local panchayats, the district panchayat, the Public Works Department and the Kerala State Transport Project. However, preparatory works are said to be delayed this year, reportedly due to the transition to newly elected panchayat committees.
Devotees have urged the authorities to act swiftly to restore the route and ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.