Sabarimala Thiruvabharanam Guruswami Kulathinal Gangadharan Pillai Passes Away
Pandalam (Keralam): Guruswami Kulathinal Gangadharan Pillai, who carried the sacred Thiruvabharanam (holy ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from Pandalam to Sabarimala for nearly seven decades, has passed away.
Gangadharan Pillai had been closely associated with the annual Thiruvabharanam procession for around 70 years, dedicating much of his life to the service of Lord Ayyappa and the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
In 2025, after turning 90, he stepped down from his responsibility as Guruswami, citing his advanced age, and handed over the duty to the next generation. The Pandalam Palace had organised a farewell ceremony in recognition of his decades-long service.
Reflecting on his journey last year, Gangadharan Pillai had said: “I carried the responsibility entrusted to me by Lord Ayyappa for as long as I could. Now, I can rest.”
He began participating in the sacred journey at the age of 18, accompanying his father, Kulathinal Narayana Pillai, as a member of the Thiruvabharanam Petaka Vahaka Sangham, the group entrusted with carrying the holy ornaments.
For nearly seven decades, he continued the pilgrimage with fasting, prayers and strict adherence to traditional rituals and customs. He had credited the strength to continue the arduous journey to his unwavering faith in Lord Ayyappa.
“The Sharanamantram was the medicine given by Ayyappa,” he had said, recalling how the devotional chants helped him overcome physical exhaustion during the journey through heat and cold.
Gangadharan Pillai became Guruswami around two decades ago following the demise of Kochuthundil Bhaskaran Pillai, who had previously held the responsibility.
As Guruswami, he led the group that undertakes the approximately 83-kilometre journey from Pandalam to Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, carrying the Thiruvabharanam boxes. He traditionally carried the sacred ornaments on his head at the beginning of the procession from the Valiyakoikkal Ayyappa Temple in Pandalam and led the procession to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
His passing marks the end of an memorable chapter in the Thiruvabharanam tradition. For generations of devotees, Guruswami Gangadharan Pillai will be remembered as a symbol of devotion, discipline, endurance and lifelong service to Lord Ayyappa.
His cremation will be held at his residence at 3 pm tomorrow.