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Sabarimala temple staff union flags delays in pilgrim season preparations

An employees' organisation at the Sabarimala temple has raised concerns about slow procurement processes and inadequate arrangements ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season. The union has warned that delays could threaten sacred rituals and worker compensation.

LSN India · 12 September 2026

Sabarimala temple staff union flags delays in pilgrim season preparations

The Travancore Devaswom Employees Front has escalated concerns about operational readiness at Sabarimala, submitting formal complaints to Kerala's Chief Minister and Devaswom Minister. The organisation cited sluggish tendering procedures and incomplete preparatory work as major impediments to a smooth pilgrimage season.

According to the employees' union, the delays in procurement and infrastructure arrangements pose financial risks to the temple administration. The organisation emphasised that inadequate preparations could compromise the conduct of sacred rituals and jeopardise timely wage disbursement for temple staff during the busy pilgrimage period.

Sabarimala, one of Hindu India's most significant pilgrimage destinations, attracts millions of devotees during its peak seasons. The temple's administration, overseen by the Travancore Devaswom Board, relies on meticulous planning and swift execution of support services to accommodate the large volume of visitors while maintaining religious protocols.

The union's intervention reflects growing anxiety within the temple's workforce about the pace of administrative action. Officials have been contacted for response regarding the specific tendering delays and the timeline for addressing the flagged concerns.