The Kerala High Court has directed the Chief Vigilance Officer at Sabarimala to secure records related to Padi Pooja bookings amid suspicions of irregularities. A vigilance inquiry revealed unauthorized transfers of bookings made with false addresses. The court emphasized the need for transparency in the highly sought-after ritual.
In Kochi, a bench of the Kerala High Court, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K V Jayakumar, addressed concerns over the booking process for Padi Pooja at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. The ritual, which involves the worship of the temple's 18 sacred steps, occurs on select evenings following the idol's floral bath, known as pushpabhiskeham. Performed by the thantri in the presence of the melsanthi, it lasts about an hour and includes decorating the steps with flowers, silk cloths, and traditional lamps, concluding with an aarathi.
The court noted that five such poojas take place each month, holding significant religious importance for devotees. Bookings for this ritual have been scheduled as far ahead as 2045, highlighting its popularity and the necessity for a robust system. However, a vigilance investigation uncovered cases where bookings were made using fictitious addresses and then transferred unauthorized for financial gain.
Describing these findings as disturbing, the bench stated, "If true, such conduct is abhorrent and is to be deprecated." An amicus curiae reported that two bookers failed to appear for identity verification, raising doubts about the system's integrity. The court observed that the matter affects not just administration but the sanctity of temple practices.
To probe further, the judges ordered the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer to take custody of all relevant registers and records, including those extending to 2045, and present them in a sealed cover. The next hearing is set for March 4.