The Hindu : HC bans mobile phones at Sabarimala temple

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 28, 2002

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National

HC bans mobile phones at Sabarimala temple

By K.C. Gopakumar

Kochi Nov.27. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday banned the use of mobile phones near the precincts of sannidhanam, Malikappuram temple, pathinettampadi and Ganapathi temple in the Sabarimala. The order was passed by the Bench, comprising S. Sankarasubban and A. Lakshmikutty, on a petition by C.P. Peethambaran of Niyamakendram, Kochi.

The judges also ordered that in other places, the use should be minimal so that it would not distract the attention of the pilgrims.

The petitioner said that the use of mobile phones was against the customs and practices. Besides, it would also be a nuisance to other pilgrims. The ``thantri'' of the Sabarimala, Kandaru Mohanaru, who was impleaded in the petition, submitted that the ringing sound of the mobile phones would affect poojas at sannidhanam and sub-temples. The use violated the religious rights of other pilgrims. The ``thantri'' said that as per the customs and traditions the pilgrims were supposed to relinquish their worldly connections. Mobile phones only helped them stay in touch with the outside world.

Prasadam by post

Our Pathanamthitta Staff Reporter writes:

The Travancore Devaswom Board and the Department of Posts have launched a new scheme called ``Swami prasadom'' to reach the Sabarimala prasadam to the devotees all over the world during the ``Mandalam-Makaravilakku'' season.

In an official release at Pampa today, the Postal Department informed that the devotees could send a money order for Rs. 150 to the Executive Officer, TDB, Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala - 689713, for the despatch of the prasadam by post.

The money orders for the same would be accepted till December 31, 2002.

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