Sabarimala, Dec 1 (NationPress) The commencement of the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season has seen a vigorous start, with the shrine accumulating a remarkable revenue of Rs 92 crore within the first 15 days. This comes despite the arrest of six individuals linked to the renowned temple due to a gold scam, which seemingly has not deterred the Ayappa devotees from their spiritual journey.

Early estimates indicate that approximately 1.3 million devotees have visited the shrine during the initial fortnight of the festival season.

This marks a significant increase of 33.33 percent, compared to the Rs 69 crore collected in the same timeframe last year.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) interprets these figures as a strong sign of rejuvenated post-pandemic pilgrim influx and enhanced revenue management.

A substantial portion of the earnings has come from Aravana, the sacred sweet rice pudding offered as prasadam, generating Rs 47 crore, a considerable rise from Rs 32 crore from the previous year.

Sales of Appam reached Rs 3.5 crore, remaining relatively stable compared to last year's performance.

Contributions from offerings (kanikka) amounted to Rs 26 crore, an improvement from Rs 22 crore during the last season.

Despite some logistical challenges early in the season, officials report that pilgrimage operations have now stabilized, with crowd management, booking systems, and prasadam distribution running efficiently.

In accordance with a High Court ruling, authorities have limited spot bookings to enhance crowd control.

So far, around 13 lakh devotees have made their way to the hill shrine in the first two weeks of the season.

Besides Aravana, Sabarimala also prepares and presents three other traditional payasams: Idichu Pizhinja Payasam, Ellu Payasam, and Vella Nivedyam, each offered at specific pooja timings.

Idichu Pizhinja Payasam, crafted from freshly extracted coconut milk and jaggery, is presented during the Usha pooja at 7:30 a.m.

Aravana is offered during the Ucha pooja at noon, while Vella Nivedyam is available during all pooja sessions.

Ellu Payasam, primarily made with sesame, is the highlight of the Athazha pooja at 9:15 p.m.

During the Athazha pooja, Panakam (a herbal spiced drink), Appam, and Ada are also presented.

Panakam, a traditional medicinal drink, is prepared with jaggery, cumin, dry ginger, and black pepper.

Panchamrutam, a combination of eight sacred ingredients, is used for abhishekam when the temple opens at 3 a.m.

Officially, only Aravana and Panchamrutam are sold as prasadam, with Panchamrutam priced at Rs 125 for half-size bottles alongside the standard Aravana tin.