Kerala Government’s Coffers Take A Big Hit: Sabarimala Revenue Falls By Over Rs 25 Crore Following Devotee Protests

The revenue of Sabarimala Temple in Kerala has taken a hit of over Rs 25 crore following devotee protests, English Manorama has reported. The temple is overseen by the Travancore Devaswom Board which comes under the Communist-led Kerala government.

As per the report, the revenue in the first 11 days of annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage recorded a shortfall of Rs 25.46 crore, as compared to last year’s figures. The sales of Aravana Payasam took the biggest hit of Rs 11.99 crore. It is considered the biggest source of earning for the temple.

The cash offerings have reduced by Rs 6.85 crore, appam and revenue from rooms have fallen by Rs 2.45 crore and Rs 50.62 lakh respectively.

Incidentally, the report claims that the Kerala government has instructed the Devaswom Board not to publicise the revenue figures.

With regards to the devotee visits, the report claimed that majority are from other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with locals choosing to keep away.

This is said to have been a result of restrictions imposed by the Kerala police and apparent tension in the area.

It was reported earlier that the ongoing Sabarimala impasse in Kerala might cause a drop in temple revenues and affect the functioning of 1,188 temples.