Good News for Sabarimala Devotees as Toilets and Bathrooms to Be Made Free of Charge
Pathanamthitta: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to make all toilets and bathrooms at Sabarimala free of charge for devotees from the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
Under the new decision, devotees can use all toilets and bathrooms at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Swami Ayyappan Road and the traditional trekking route without paying any fees. The Board has also decided to discontinue the auctioning of these facilities and appoint an experienced agency through a tender process to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance.
The decision follows widespread complaints regarding the poor condition of toilets and the collection of fees from pilgrims.
Currently, devotees have the option to voluntarily contribute Rs 5 or more to the Pilgrim Relief Fund while booking their free Virtual Queue darshan slots. With the introduction of free toilet and bathroom facilities, devotees will also have the option to make an additional voluntary contribution of Rs 5 to the fund. The contribution will not be mandatory, and devotees can choose whether or not to pay.