A new guidelines regarding the items to be included in the Irumudikettu (sacred bundle) for Ayyappa devotees visiting Sabarimala has been issued by Travancore Devaswom Board
The order comes after priest Kantararu Rajeevaru sent a letter to the President of the Devaswom Board recommending specific items that should be packed in the front and back bundles.
The Irumudikettu is traditionally carried by devotees as part of their pilgrimage to Sabarimala, and it contains essential offerings for Lord Ayyappa.
Based on the letter from Tantri Rajeevaru, the following items have been approved:
In front knot, devotees can carry, brown rice grains, neyy thenga (ghee filled coconut), jaggery, bananas, betel leaves and areca nut and
Kaani ponnu (currency coins).
Rice (in small quantities) for offering can be taken in back knot.
Rose water, Incense sticks and camphor are prohibited.
Environmental concerns
The decision to limit the items in the Irumudikettu was made in response to concerns raised by the Tantri about the environmental impact of waste, especially plastic, in the Sabarimala area.
Many devotees were previously bringing items that were either unnecessary or harmful to the environment. The Devaswom Board has instructed temple officials and staff to ensure that only the prescribed items are carried by the devotees.
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