Sabarimala, Dec 27 (NationPress) Despite the recent uproar over the purported gold theft associated with Sabarimala, unwavering faith flowed through the sacred hills during this year's Mandala season. More than 3 million pilgrims engaged in the challenging pilgrimage, enabling the hill shrine to amass revenues nearing Rs 333 crore, demonstrating its lasting spiritual allure and operational strength.

The Mandala season is set to officially conclude on Saturday night with the customary performance of Harivarasanam at 10 p.m., followed by the closure of the sanctum sanctorum.

With this, the initial phase of the renowned two-month season draws to a close, set to reopen on December 30.

In the face of intensified public scrutiny and political discussions surrounding the gold theft case, devotees flocked in unprecedented numbers, emphasizing that faith transcends controversy for millions.

According to figures disclosed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the total revenue as of Friday was Rs 332.77 crore.

This revenue encompasses offerings (kanikka), sales of traditional sweets, aravana and appam, room rentals, and auction revenues.

With the final day's earnings yet to be completely accounted for, officials predict that the total will increase.

This season marks a notable improvement compared to the previous year.

After 41 days of the Mandala period in 2024, Sabarimala had recorded revenues of Rs 297.06 crore.

This year, even with a shorter season, collections have surged by approximately Rs 35.7 crore.

Offerings alone increased from Rs 80.25 crore last year to Rs 83.17 crore this season, reflecting a rise in attendance and consistent participation from devotees.

TDB President K. Jayakumar remarked that even during peak days, arrangements were made to ensure a smooth darshan experience for pilgrims.

Aside from initial confusion on the opening day, crowd control, services, and grievance handling were managed effectively, he added.

"In a pilgrimage of this magnitude, complaints are unavoidable, but we addressed them swiftly," noted Jayakumar.

Preparations are already in motion for the next phase of the pilgrimage season.

Production of aravana will be increased once the temple closes, ensuring a buffer stock of 12 lakh tins ahead of the 'Makaravilakku' festival.

If the existing cap of ten tins per pilgrim remains, officials are optimistic about maintaining adequate supply.

Additional aravana will also be mailed after January 20.

As the sanctum closes tonight, the figures clearly indicate that while controversies may arise, at Sabarimala, devotion remains paramount.