Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Dec 18: Though several devotees shelved their plan of holding pilgrimage to Ayyappa Swamy temple in Sabarimala during 'Mandalostava' and 'Makaravilakku' following the strict guidelines issued by the Kerala government against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as a sigh of relief, devotees can now avail the 'Swami Prasadam' at their doorstep through speed post.

After the Kerala government issued strict guidelines for Sabarimala pilgrims, following the pandemic, many devotees and groups of pilgrims shelved their plan of visiting the holy place. However, with the 'Prasadam' now available through speed post, people have expressed their elation towards the move. 

Temple authorities have allowed devotees to visit the temple for darshan, only after they register on the virtual queue portal of the temple with a negative Covid-19 test report. The authorities have permitted only 2,000 devotees during weekdays, 3,000 devotees on weekends and 5,000 during special days for darshan. However, now devotees are preferring to book 'Swami Prasadam' through speed post.

Speaking to Daijiworld, senior superintendent of post offices, Mangaluru division, Shriharsha N said, "Those who want to avail the 'Prasadam' should fill an application in the post office by paying Rs 450 for one set of 'Prasadam'. In one order application, they can avail 10 sets of 'Prasadam' by paying Rs 4,500. If they want more, then they should file another order application. Devotees will receive 'Prasadam' after filing an order application, within the span of 7 to 10 days."

He also informed that 93 bookings were done to avail the 'Prasadam' in Dakshina Kannada.

'Prasadam' in a box includes Aravana Payasam, ghee (AadiyaSishtam Ney) vibhuthi, turmeric and kumkum. The delivery of 'Prasadam' at the doorstep of devotees was launched on November 6, by the Indian Postal Department in support of Travancore Devaswom Board.

Harish who works as postman informed that he has been visiting Sabarimala for the past four years. But, this time due to the coronavirus pandemic, he dropped his plan of visiting the holy place. "As the postal department arranged for 'Prasadam' through speed post, I was the first person to book the 'Prasadam'. I received 'Prasadam' after 5 days."

Rekha who booked for the Prasadam from Kavoor post office said, " I have received the 'Prasadam' within six days. Initially, I was a little worried but I was happy when I got a message from the temple authorities. Devotees can avail 'Prasadam' of the temple by booking it through any post offices in the district".