'Neyyabhishekam' problems in Sabarimala to solve in a week

Pathanamthitta, Nov 23 (UNI) Sabarimala high-power committee chairmar K Jayakumar today said bottlenecks relating to ''Neyyabhishekam'' would be resolved in a week's time.

Talking to reporters at Sannidhanam, he said the committee was averse to interfere with the age-old customs and traditions governing Sabarimala rituals.

However, he clarified that a ''parallel'' queue for Neyyabhishekam was not permissible. The Thantri and Melsanthi had welcomed the recent reforms effected in the performance of Nayyabhishekam.

Mr Jayakumar said the suggestion to appoint helpers for Melsanthi for the conduct of ''Abhishekam'' could be considered. The committee was not against the priests receiving offerings from pilgrims personally.

He refuted the allegation that hidden-camera was installed in the room of the Thantri. The power to enhance the monthly emoluments of Thantris at Sabarimala were vested with the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Mr Jayakumar said workers at 'appam-aravana' plants would be subjected to medical examination once in a week.

Total revenue collected at Sabarimala in the first week has touched Rs 9.61 crore.

UNI XR CGV PD KP2153