Only One Padi Pooja a Day at Sabarimala, But More Devotees Can Participate, Says Tantri
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Chief Tantri of the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, has addressed recent discussions regarding the Padi Pooja. He stated clearly that only one Padi Pooja can be performed each day. While the number of participants in a single pooja can be increased, the ritual itself remains restricted by established theological traditions.
The Kerala High Court recently directed the Tantri to determine whether the frequency of this ritual could be increased to accommodate the high volume of devotees. The court suggested this move if no ritualistic impediments exist. In response, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru noted that he has not yet received a formal request from the Travancore Devaswom Board regarding this suggestion. He emphasised that, as the Tantri, his role is limited to providing guidance on the ritualistic validity of such changes.
The Tantri also pointed out that several major ceremonies at Sabarimala—including Udayasthamana Pooja, Ulsava Bali and Sahasrakalasham—are traditionally performed only once a day. He said the court’s suggestion was likely aimed at increasing the number of devotees allowed to participate in a single Padi Pooja rather than increasing the number of rituals conducted daily.
The official booking fee for a Padi Pooja is set at Rs 1,37,900. Devotees must also cover significant additional costs. These include the decoration of the eighteen holy steps, the engagement of traditional percussion ensembles (melam), ceremonial silk embroidery on the steps, and the offering of dakshina, as per media reports.
As the ritual is performed only during specific periods—such as the five days following Makaravilakku, monthly poojas, and certain festival days—demand far exceeds supply. Consequently, the current waiting period for a booking now exceeds ten years. The Tantri concluded that any final decision on managing these offerings must be reached through formal consultation between the Travancore Devaswom Board and the relevant stakeholders.