Pottukuthal In Erumely Sree Dharma Shastha Temple: Kerala HC Directs Dewaswom Board To Prevent Illegal Activities, Says Pilgrims Can't Be Exploited

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar made this order in a petition challenging the notice issued to invite tender from private agencies to manage pottukuthal. Sabarimala pilgrims who perform pettathullal, after taking the holy bath in the Erumely river, perform pottukuthal whereby they apply Vibhoothi/ Chandan/ Kumkum on their forehead and various parts of their body.

As per the tender notice, the agency entrusted with this can charge up to Rs. 10 from a devotee for this custom. The Devaswom Board, during the last hearing submitted before the Court that they issued the tender as unauthorized persons were charging people for the custom even when the temple authorities are providing Vibhoothi/ Chandan/ Kumkum freely to the devotees.

The Standing Counsel for the Board submitted before the Court that 3 mirrors are placed in the nadapanthal of the temple during masapooja and mandalam-makaravilakku period where Vibhoothi/ Chandan/ Kumkum are placed. There, the devotees can apply it to their bodies without any charge.

The Court directed the Board to ensure that there are no unauthorized activities in the temple.

“Exploitation of pilgrims who are on their pilgrimage to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa cannot be permitted.”

The Court had asked the Board in the last hearing whether pottukuthal is an essential religious practice. When the case was taken up today, the Board submitted before the Court that pottukuthal is not a ritual of Erumely Dharma Shastha Temple but is a usage being followed by the Sabarimala pilgrims who undertake pettathullal during the masapooja and mandalam – makaravilakku festival.

Case Title: Manoj S. Nair and Another v Travancore Devaswom Board and Others

Case No: WP(C) 34716/ 2024