Makara Jyothi’ is man-lit: TDB

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (DHNS): The Travancore Devaswom Board has confirmed that the Makaravilakku is a fire lit by man at Ponnambalamedu, the Board president M Rajagopalan Nair said after a meeting of various stakeholders. 

“Now that it is known to everyone that Makaravilakku is man-made, the board also recognises it. But we are not going to begin a campaign now saying that it is man-made because there is a Hindu belief behind it and we don’t want to interfere in it,” Nair told newspersons. 

The meeting was called in the context of the January 14 stampede at Pullumedu during Makaravilakku which killed 102 people.

The TDB president said several other issues like keeping the temple open for the whole year and extending the length of the holy 18th step were discussed. However, the meeting decided neither to effect any change in the unique traditions of the temple  nor broaden the 18th step (pathinettaampadi). This was because it was felt at the meeting that the 18th step was divine enough. 

The board would now submit a report to the high court based on the views expressed at the meeting and the discussions that took place. There were in all 21 persons who took part in the meeting held at the Devaswom headquarters here.