Sabarimala revenue up 14%

Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, registered a surge of 13.65 per cent in revenue in the last season thereby emerging as the fastest growing pilgrimage center in south India.

In 2005 season, the revenue went up to Rs 69.33 crore as against Rs 61 crore in the previous year, a rise of Rs 8.33 crore.

According to G Raman Nair, president, Travancore Devaswom Board, "Sabarimala pilgrimage season starts from November 14 and ends on January 19. About two months of active pilgrimage takes place every year while in other temples, pilgrimage will be throughout the year."

The cash offerings made by devotees and sales of the prasadam "� appam and aravana "� are the source of revenue in Sabarimala. During 2005 Mandala period (Nov 17 to Dec 26), the receipts stood at Rs 44.93 crore, while in the Makaravilakku season (Dec 30, 2005 to Jan 19, 2006), the revenue was Rs 24.40 crore. Sale of appam and aravana alone contributed Rs 25.5 crore.

"Compared to the previous year, substantial increase in revenue has been registered in all the segments. The outgo towards expenses during the season is around Rs 25 crore," Nair said.

Travancore Devaswom has around 2,000 temples in southern Kerala including the hilltop shrine under its administrative control. The total revenue from all the temples will come around Rs 100 crore. About 4,500 employees are working under Devaswom.