Pathanamthitta:
The Revenue collection of Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala has declined compared to the previous year.
The Revenue collection in the past 23 days after the commencement of Mandalam-Makaravilakku season amounted to Rs 4.07 crore which is not even five per cent compared to last year after 23 days.
The Revenue collection was Rs 4,07,36,383 crore till Tuesday. It was generated from offerings and sale of Appam and Aravana. In 2019, the temple had recorded a Revenue collection of Rs 82.70 crore in 23 days of the pilgrimage season.
From November 16 to December eight, around 34,000 devotees visited the temple in this season. A total of 1000 people each visited the temple from Monday to Friday and 2000 each on Saturday and Sunday till December two.
From December three, the authority has permitted 2000 devotees from Monday to Friday and 3000 pilgrims on Saturday and Sunday.
Travancore Devaswom Board President N Vasu said the number of devotees allowed per day
will be increased after examining the Covid situation.
A review meeting will be held after December 15 to take a decision, he added.
As many as 17 people at Sannidhanam tested positive for Covid-19 since the last four days. (agency)
