The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will conduct a ‘devaprasnom’ at Sabarimala in February to carry out the proposed changes in the Sabarimala master plan, said Chief Commissioner of Travancore Devaswom Board K. Jayakumar.
Talking to The Hindu here on Friday, Mr. Jayakumar said the master plan prepared by the Delhi-based Ecosmart India Ltd. had proposed certain changes in the layout of the temple complex that houses the prasadom preparation unit, prasadom counters, etc. It is an important prerequisite and a custom and tradition to seek divine will before embarking on any major structural layout change at the Sannidhanam, he said.
Mr. Jayakumar said the Chennai-based Pithavadiyan and Partners Ltd. would prepare the detailed layout plan for the Sannidhanam and Pampa on the basis of the recommendations prescribed in the proposed ‘devaprasnom'.
ADVERTISEMENT
Efforts would be taken to ensure more facilities for pilgrims at the Sannidhanam and the development projects would be implemented strictly in conformity with the principles of temple architecture and Tantric norms, he said.
He said Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) would conduct a techno-feasibility study on the proposed ropeway project linking Pampa and the Sannidhanam. The TDB was keen to start the work on the proposed queue complex on the trekking path early. Mr. Jayakumar said he would convene a meeting of representatives of various government departments, TDB departments and non-governmental agencies in Thiruvananthapuram on January 20 to evaluate the conduct of the ongoing annual pilgrimage.