Shortage of Daily Wage Workers Affects Offering Count at Sabarimala
Sabarimala temple is facing a serious shortage of daily wage workers, creating difficulties in counting offerings (kanikka) during the ongoing Mandala–Makaravilakku season. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had estimated that around 2,000 workers would be required for the season. However, only 1,500 workers reported for duty initially.
After the Mandala season ended, nearly 300 workers withdrew due to various reasons. This has reduced the current workforce to about 1,200. According to Devaswom Board officials, at least 400 workers are needed exclusively for counting offerings. With the Makaravilakku festival currently underway, officials have warned that the situation may worsen if additional workers are not recruited quickly.
Regular Devaswom Board employees cannot be reassigned for this task, as they are already engaged in other essential duties related to temple operations. Despite these challenges, the hill shrine recorded revenues of nearly ₹333 crore in December 2025, a major portion of which came from devotees’ offerings.
Daily wage workers between the ages of 18 and 65 and in good health are hired for the season. They receive ₹650 per day, with an extra ₹50 for those involved in counting offerings. Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate, Aadhaar card, and two photographs. Their duties include cleaning, counting offerings, distributing drinking water and biscuits, and serving food to pilgrims. Workers are provided with uniforms, temporary ID cards, accommodation, and meals. Ex-servicemen are appointed for security duties.
Officials have also expressed concern about possible staff shortages in the future, noting that most new recruits to the Devaswom Board are women employees.