Amid an unprecedented LPG shortage, the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opened for the five-day monthly poojas and authorities scrambled to ensure that the shortage did not disrupt basic services for the thousands of pilgrims who arrive every day.
According to Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials, sufficient LPG cylinders have been stocked for the immediate period, though steps are being taken to regulate usage and rely more on steam-based cooking systems.
“On instructions from the Pathanamthitta District Collector, a load of LPG cylinders was delivered to Pampa on Saturday afternoon,” said a TDB official.
Officials also explained that much of the cooking done by the TDB at Sabarimala, including the preparation of offerings and the free food distributed to devotees, is done using steamers. “The use of LPG by the devaswom board is limited. However, it remains the primary source of cooking fuel for the numerous restaurants operating in the pilgrim zone,” the official said.
The TDB had earlier approached the district administration seeking urgent intervention to resolve the shortage during the days when the temple is open. Then the District Collector directed the District Supply Officer to look into the matter and report to the Supply Commissioner. Accordingly, a cargo of LPG cylinders was transferred to Pampa to stabilize the stock.
The temple, which opened for the monthly poojas on Saturday evening, allowed entry of 30,000 pilgrims on the first day and 50,000 on the remaining days through virtual queue and seat reservation systems. Apart from feeding the devotees through the annadanam programme, the TDB also has to prepare food for the nearly 3,000 employees stationed at the Sannidhanam.
But uncertainty refuses to abate. Officials acknowledge that the current stock will only last for the immediate term if the LPG supply disruption continues. Dedicated organizations warn that if supplies are not restored soon, the situation could quickly turn into a serious challenge.
An influx of devotees
“The situation may be manageable for now. But it may get complicated when the temple reopens on March 22 for the 10-day annual festival. Tens of thousands of devotees are expected then and the authorities will have to go on a war footing to ensure that the shortage does not affect services,” said a senior official of the Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham.
The tension can already be seen along the pilgrimage route. Several roadside eateries, usually bustling with activity during the month-long pooja days, have remained closed due to lack of cooking gas, leaving pilgrims with fewer food options.
During the Sabarimala pilgrimage, pilgrims depend heavily on the restaurants at Laha, Erumeli, Kanamala and Naranamthode. These facilities are usually opened only when the temple is open to devotees. Although some of them have reopened for the current season, LPG cylinders have not reached the outlets as usual, preventing many hotels from resuming full operations.
Meanwhile, a few establishments have already switched to firewood for cooking. Still, most outlets were forced to pare down their menus to the bare essentials, while staples like dosa and porotta disappeared from their shelves.
Published – 15 March 2026 18:59 IST
