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Kerala High Court · body

2022 DIGILAW 897 (KER)

SUO MOTU v. STATE OF KERALA

2022-10-20

ANIL K.NARENDRAN, P.G.AJITHKUMAR

body2022
ORDER : 1. The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala has filed this report regarding the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ in Sabarimala Sannidhanam, as per the directions contained in the order of this Court dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022. 2. SSCR No. 10 of 2022 filed by the Special Commissioner was regarding the leakage of water from the roof of the Sreekovil in Sabarimala Sannidhanam and the remedial measures to be taken. By the order dated 23.08.2022, the Special Commissioner was directed to file a report before this Court on the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. In the said order, this Court noticed the specific stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board that ‘Pushpalankaram’ by devotees is permitted only outside the Sopanam without fixing nails or screws on the copper plates used for covering the wooden roofing. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to handover a copy of the Board order dated 28.12.2017, re-fixing the rate of ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam to the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner. 3. In the report of the Special Commissioner, it is stated that decorative flowers of various colours and varieties, flower garlands, etc. are used by the devotee sponsoring ‘Pushpalankaram’ to decorate the lower portion of the roof of the Sreekovil, Valiyambalam in front of the Sreekovil, entrance to Balikalpura, bottom portion of the golden flag- mast, Upadevatha shrines, etc. On most occasions, flowers are brought from other States and cities like Bangalore. The stem of the flowers is inserted in a sponge-like wet material. To keep the flowers fresh, the sponge is sprayed with water or some other artificial substance. After the order of this Court dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022, during the Kannimasa Pooja in September, ‘Pushpalankaram’ was conducted at Sabarimala Sannidhanam albeit in a low-key. There was no heavy decoration for ‘Pushpalankaram’ as is usually done. Kuruthola type material and flower garlands were used for Pushpalankaram. The Sreekovil was not permitted to be decorated. 4. In the report of the Special Commissioner, it is further stated that the lower edge of the roof of Valiyambalam, just above Thoovanapalaka, is randomly fixed with nails, which might have been fixed a long time before. Recently, the roof of the Sreekovil was re-laid to rectify water leakage. The Sreekovil was not permitted to be decorated. 4. In the report of the Special Commissioner, it is further stated that the lower edge of the roof of Valiyambalam, just above Thoovanapalaka, is randomly fixed with nails, which might have been fixed a long time before. Recently, the roof of the Sreekovil was re-laid to rectify water leakage. The lower edge of the Sreekovil, just above Thoovanapalaka was also randomly fixed with old nails to facilitate the hanging of flowers and garlands while conducting Pushpalankaram. However, at present, after the rectification of the Sreekovil, the old nails are removed and the holes are sealed with M-Seal and Silicone gel. Large marigold and other types of flower garlands are randomly put on top of the Valiyambalam in such a way that it falls on both the eastern and western slopes of the roof. For this method of arranging garlands nails are not necessary. The edge of the lower part of the roof of the Valiyambalam, Sreekovil and Upadevada shrines is decorated with flowers and garlands by hanging them from the edge. The entrance to Balikalpura and Panchavargathara in front of the flag-mast is also heavily decorated with bunches of flowers and garlands. As per the report of the Special Commissioner, it is not possible to decipher whether nails are used for affixing the flowers. The permanently fixed nails in the lower edge and other places of the roofs of the Valiyambalam and Upadeva shrines are to be removed and the holes are to be sealed in order to protect the divinity of the structures. In future ‘Pushpalankaram’ can be permitted to be done in a modest manner, by arranging flower garlands without the aid of nails. For this purpose, iron strings or other rope-like materials can be affixed at the end of the rafters at the bottom of the roof of the Valiyambalam and Upadeva shrines. No decoration can be permitted on the Sreekovil. If the roof of the structures is to be decorated, large garlands can be used by balancing them on both slopes of the roof. 5. No decoration can be permitted on the Sreekovil. If the roof of the structures is to be decorated, large garlands can be used by balancing them on both slopes of the roof. 5. In the order dated 30.09.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022, this Court noticed that, by the orders dated 05.11.2021 and 03.01.2022 in DBA No. 12 of 2021, permission was accorded for revision of Vazhipadu rates in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms, subject to the modification suggested by the learned Ombudsman in TDB Report No. 14 of 2021. Permission was accorded for the revision of rates for Aravana and Appam Prasadam in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms at a lower rate, subject to the condition that the revised rates shall be enforced only after the Mandala-Makaravilakku season of 1197ME. ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was not a Vazhipadu item in the petition filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board before the learned Ombudsman, based on which the learned Ombudsman filed TDB Report No. 14 of 2021. All Vazhipadu items in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms as per ‘Paditharam’ were included in the report of the learned Ombudsman. 6. On 10.10.2022, when this SSCR came up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board sought time to get instructions as to whether ‘Pushpalankaram’ is a Vazhipadu item in Sabarimala Devaswom as per ‘Paditharam’ and whether fixation/revision of the rate for the said Vazhipadu item was the subject matter of any reports filed by the learned Ombudsman and the orders of this Court. By the order dated 10.10.2022, the learned Standing Counsel was directed to make available for the perusal of this Court the files relating to the decisions taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board in respect of the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. 7. On 14.10.2022, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board pointed out an order of this Court dated 05.10.2016 in DBA No. 14 of 2016. The learned Standing Counsel sought some more time to make available for the perusal of this Court the relevant orders regarding fixation/revision of the rate in respect of the Vazhipadu item Pushpalankaram. By the order dated 14.10.2022, the learned Standing Counsel was directed to make available for the perusal of this Court, a certified extract of the ‘Paditharam’ of Sabarimala Devaswom. 8. By the order dated 14.10.2022, the learned Standing Counsel was directed to make available for the perusal of this Court, a certified extract of the ‘Paditharam’ of Sabarimala Devaswom. 8. On 20.10.2022, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board has made available for the perusal of this Court the files relating to fixation/revision of rate in respect of Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The learned Standing Counsel sought further time to make available for the perusal of this Court a certified extract of the ‘Paditharam’ of Sabarimala Devaswom. We have perused the files relating to fixation/revision of rate in respect of the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. 9. In the order dated 20.10.2022, we noticed that, in the petition filed before the learned Ombudsman for revision of Vazhipadu rates with effect from the year 2017, the introduction of a new Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was not disclosed. However, ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was shown as a newly introduced Vazipadu item in the list attached to that petition. It is not discernible from the report dated 29.08.2016 of the learned Ombudsman on that petition or the order of the Devaswom Bench dated 05.10.2016 in DBA No. 14 of 2016, that the introduction of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was specifically pointed out to the learned Ombudsman or before the Devaswom Bench, which passed the said order. Moreover, ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was not a Vazhipadu item in the petition filed by the Travancore Devaswom Board before the learned Ombudsman, for revision of Vazhipadu rates in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms, based on which the learned Ombudsman filed TDB Report No. 14 of 2021 and this Court passed the orders dated 05.11.2021 and 03.01.2022 in DBA No. 12 of 2021. 10. On 20.10.2022, this Court recorded the submission made by the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board that, after the filing of this SSCR the Board is not accepting money from the devotees for the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. By order dated 20.10.2022, it was ordered that status quo as on 20.10.2022 as regards the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam shall continue till 08.11.2022. The said interim order was extended for ten days on 08.11.2022. By order dated 20.10.2022, it was ordered that status quo as on 20.10.2022 as regards the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam shall continue till 08.11.2022. The said interim order was extended for ten days on 08.11.2022. The learned Standing Counsel submitted that ‘Paditharam’ which contains Vazhipadu items in all temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board has already been traced out, which shall be made available for the perusal of this Court on the next posting date itself. 11. On 08.11.2022, when this SSCR came up for consideration, the 2nd respondent Travancore Devaswom Board filed a counter affidavit, wherein it is stated that ‘Pushpalankaram’ is conducted in Sabarimala Devaswom mostly on special occasions and on important festival days, which adds to the overall beauty of the temple and festival, which gains worldwide attention. Earlier the Board used to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ in the temple on special days and festival days. Many devotees approached the Board voluntarily seeking permission to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a Vazhipadu item. Hence Board obtained the opinion of the Tantri and decided to include ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a Vazhipadu item. Accordingly, the Board filed DBA No. 14 of 2016 before this Court seeking approval for the revision of Vazhipadu rates and introduction of a new Vazhipadu item, producing therewith Annexure R2(a) proposal containing the details of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item in Sabarimala Devaswom and the details of revision of rate of other Vazhipadu items in Sabarimala and Pamba Devaswoms. This Court forwarded DBA No. 14 of 2016 to the learned Ombudsman for examination and report. The learned Ombudsman, who considered the proposal, did not object to the inclusion of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item. In Annexure R2(b) report dated 29.08.2016, i.e. Report No. 120 of 2016 in DBA No. 14 of 2016 filed by the learned Ombudsman, the discussion was only in respect to Vazhipadu items for which a considerable hike in the rate is proposed in Annexure R2(a). In Annexure R2(c) order dated 05.10.2016 in DBA No. 14 of 2016, this Court concurred with the report of the learned Ombudsman. 12. In the counter affidavit filed by the 2nd respondent, it is stated that, after the introduction of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item pursuant to Annexure R2(c) order, the devotees are allowed to conduct ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Nalambalam, Sopanam around Sreekovil, Nagar and Ganapathi Nada and Balikkalpura, on remitting an amount of Rs. 50,000/-. 12. In the counter affidavit filed by the 2nd respondent, it is stated that, after the introduction of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item pursuant to Annexure R2(c) order, the devotees are allowed to conduct ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Nalambalam, Sopanam around Sreekovil, Nagar and Ganapathi Nada and Balikkalpura, on remitting an amount of Rs. 50,000/-. The rate is fixed considering the cost of disposing of the flowers on the removal of alankaram. DBA No. 12 of 2021 was filed by the Board seeking revision of Vazhipadu rates in the year 2021. The Vazhipadu items for which approval for revision in rate was sought, alone were included in the proposal produced in DBA No. 12 of 2021. Earlier ‘Pushpalankaram’ was done in Sabarimala Devaswom at the expense of the Board using the flowers allowed to be used in the temple. ‘Pushpalankaram’ is done in almost all temples in Kerala, on special occasions and festival days. Flowers are considered as symbol of devotion and reverence. Recently, when repair works are done on the Sreekovil to arrest the leakage found, it is noticed that, while doing ‘Pushpalankaram’ by the devotees, some nails were fixed at the lower edge of the Sreekovil, just above Thoovanapalaka, for hanging flowers and garlands. Now, after the rectification works, the old nails are removed and the holes are sealed with M-seal and silicone gel. In future, under any circumstances, no nails will be permitted in any part of the Sreekovil. Hereafter, no decorations will also be permitted in the Sreekovil. In the counter affidavit, it is stated that, the 2nd respondent Board proposes to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ by itself, in a moderate way, using the flowers permitted for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ and other poojas in the temple as per ‘Paditharam’ in the places permitted by the Tantri. As per Annexure R2(d) opinion of the Tantri, which is dated 25.10.2022, for ‘Pushpalankaram’ in Sabarimala Devaswom all flowers used for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ and for poojas inside the temple can be used. ‘Pushpalankaram’ can be permitted only in places other than the Sreekovil and flag-mast. In the counter affidavit, it is further stated that, as suggested by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala in his report, iron strings or other rope-like material can be affixed at the end of rafters at the bottom of the roof of the Vailiyambalam and Upadeva shrines. ‘Pushpalankaram’ can be permitted only in places other than the Sreekovil and flag-mast. In the counter affidavit, it is further stated that, as suggested by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala in his report, iron strings or other rope-like material can be affixed at the end of rafters at the bottom of the roof of the Vailiyambalam and Upadeva shrines. The roof of the structures, if required, can be decorated using large flower garlands, without using nails. No decorations will be made in the golden flag-mast, obstructing the view of ‘Ashtadikpalakars’ and no artificial flowers or materials will be used for Pushpalankaram. 13. On 15.11.2022, when this SSCR was taken up for consideration, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board has made available for the perusal of this Court, ‘Paditharam’ of the temples under its management and also a copy of the ‘Pathivu Register’ in respect of Sabarimala Temple. The Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam finds no place either in Paditharam or Pathivu Register. 14. Heard the learned Senior Government Pleader for the 1st respondent, the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for respondents 2 to 6 and also the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. 15. Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, 1950 enacted by the State Legislature makes provision for the administration, supervision and control of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms and of other Hindu Religious Endowments and Funds. As per the provisions under Section 3 of the Act, the administration of incorporated and unincorporated Devaswoms shall vest in the Travancore Devaswom Board. As per Section 15A of the Act, it shall be the duty of the Board to perform the following functions, namely (i) to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in the religious institutions are performed promptly; (ii) to monitor whether the administrative officials and employees and also the employees connected with religious rites are functioning properly; (iii) to ensure proper maintenance and upliftment of the Hindu religious institutions; (iv) to establish and maintain proper facilities in the temples for the devotees. 16. 16. As per Section 24 of the Act, the Board shall, out of the Devaswom Fund constituted under Section 25, maintain the Devaswoms mentioned in Schedule I [i.e. incorporated Devaswoms] keep in a state of good repair the temples, buildings, and other appurtenances thereto, administer the said Devaswoms in accordance with recognised usages, make contributions to other Devaswoms in or outside the State and meet the expenditure for the customary religious ceremonies and may provide for the educational uplift, social and cultural advancement and economic betterment of the Hindu community. As per Section 31 of the Act, subject to the provisions of Part I and the rules made thereunder, the Board shall manage the properties and affairs of the Devaswoms, both incorporated, and unincorporated as heretofore, and arrange for the conduct of the daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in every temple according to its usage. 17. Sabarimala Devaswom is an incorporated Devaswom mentioned in Schedule I of the Act, under Chengannur Group, Pathanamthitta Taluk. In view of the provisions under Section 15A(i) of the Act, the Board is duty bound to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in Sabarimala are performed promptly. In view of the provisions under Section 25 of the Act, the Board is duty bound to administer the Sabarimala Devaswom in accordance with recognised usages. In view of the provisions under Section 31 of the Act, the Board is duty bound to make proper arrangements for the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in Sabarimala, according to its usage. 18. A few photographs of the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, produced along with this SSCR filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, are reproduced hereunder: 19. As borne out from the photographs re-produced hereinbefore, decorative flowers, flower garlands, flower bouquets, etc., are used for ‘Pushpalankaram’ to decorate the lower portion of the roof of the Sreekovil, Valiambalam in front of Sreekovil, the entrance of Balikalpura, the bottom portion of the Golden Flag-mast, Upadevatha Shrines, etc. As per the report of the Special Commissioner, the stem of the flowers is inserted in a sponge-like wet material. To keep the flowers fresh in the sponge, water or other artificial substance is sprayed. As per the report of the Special Commissioner, the stem of the flowers is inserted in a sponge-like wet material. To keep the flowers fresh in the sponge, water or other artificial substance is sprayed. In the order dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022 filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, regarding the leakage of water from the roof of the Sreekovil in Sabarimala Sannidhanam, this Court noticed the specific stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board that ‘Pushpalankaram’ by the devotees is permitted only outside the Sopanam without fixing nails or screws on the copper plates used for covering the wooden roofing. As borne out from the photograph produced along with this SSCR, the lower edge of the roof of Valiyambalam, just above Thoovanapalaka, is fixed with nails for ‘Pushpalankaram’ by the devotees. The said photograph is reproduced hereunder: 20. After the order of this Court dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022, ‘Pushpalankaram’ was conducted at Sabarimala Sannidhanam using materials like kuruthola, flower garlands, etc., during Kannimaasa pooja in September, even obstructing the view of ‘Ashtadikpalakar’ in the bottom portion of the golden flag-mast. Two photographs produced along with this SSCR, of ‘Pushpalankaram’ conducted during Kannimaasa pooja (in September) are reproduced hereunder: 21. Though the specific stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board before this Court on 23.08.2022, when SSCR No. 10 of 2022 filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, came up for consideration, was that ‘Pushpalankaram’ by the devotees is permitted only outside the Sopanam, the photograph produced along with this SSCR of ‘Pushpalankaram’ conducted prior to the said order would show that the Travancore Devaswom Board permitted ‘Pushpalankaram’ even on the roof of the Sreekovil, after fixing nails in the lower edge of the roof. The said photograph is reproduced hereunder: 22. In this SSCR, the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, has stated that the lower edge of Sreekovil, just above the Thoovanapalaka, was also randomly fixed with old nails to facilitate the hanging of flowers and garlands while conducting Pushpalankaram. However, after the rectification of the roof of the Sreekovil, the old nails were removed and the holes were sealed with M-Seal and Silicone gel. 23. In the counter affidavit filed by the 2nd respondent, it is stated that ‘Pushpalankaram’ conducted in Sabarimala Devaswom adds to the overall beauty of the temple and festival, which gains worldwide attention. However, after the rectification of the roof of the Sreekovil, the old nails were removed and the holes were sealed with M-Seal and Silicone gel. 23. In the counter affidavit filed by the 2nd respondent, it is stated that ‘Pushpalankaram’ conducted in Sabarimala Devaswom adds to the overall beauty of the temple and festival, which gains worldwide attention. A photograph of the Valiyambalam and golden flag-mast of Sabarimala Sannidhanam is reproduced hereunder: 24. A photograph produced along with this SSCR, of ‘Pushpalankaram’ conducted prior to the order of this Court dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022, is reproduced hereunder: 25. As borne out from the photograph reproduced hereinbefore, ‘Pushpalankaram’ was conducted at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, prior to the order of this Court dated 23.08.2022 in SSCR No. 10 of 2022, using flower garlands ‘flower bouquets’ etc. even obstructing the view of ‘Ashtadikpalakar’ in the bottom portion of the golden flag-mast. The golden pillars and walls of Valiyambalam are also covered by hanging flower bouquets. In this SSCR, the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala has stated that, on most occasions, decorative flowers of various colours and varieties, flower garlands, etc. are brought from other States and cities like Bangalore. The stem of the flowers is inserted in a sponge-like wet material. To keep the flowers fresh, the sponge is sprayed with water or some other artificial substance. 26. Floral decorations in the photographs reproduced hereinbefore cannot be termed as ‘Pushpalankaram’ in a temple. Such decorations, with flowers normally used in auditoriums for floral decorations, cannot be permitted in temples, where ‘Pushpalankaram’ should be in the traditional way using marigold or other types of flowers used in temples for ‘Pushpabishekam’ or for conducting poojas, as per Paditharam. No floral decorations can be permitted in the bottom portion of the golden flag-mast since any such decorations will obstruct the view of Ashtadikpalakar. 27. As per Annexure R2(d) opinion of the Tantri, which is dated 25.10.2022, for ‘Pushpalankaram’ in Sabarimala Devaswom all flowers used for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ and for poojas inside the temple can be used. ‘Pushpalankaram’ can be permitted only in places other than the Sreekovil and flag-mast. 27. As per Annexure R2(d) opinion of the Tantri, which is dated 25.10.2022, for ‘Pushpalankaram’ in Sabarimala Devaswom all flowers used for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ and for poojas inside the temple can be used. ‘Pushpalankaram’ can be permitted only in places other than the Sreekovil and flag-mast. In the counter affidavit of the 2nd respondent Travancore Devaswom Board, it is stated that the Board proposes to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ by itself, in a moderate way, using the flowers permitted for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ and other poojas in the temple as per ‘Paditharam’ in the places permitted by the Tantri. 28. The stand taken in the counter affidavit dated 08.11.2022 filed on behalf of the 2nd respondent is that ‘Pushpalankaram’ is conducted in Sabarimala mostly on special occasions and important festival days. Earlier the Board used to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ in Sabarimala on special occasions and festival days. Many devotees approached the Board voluntarily seeking permission to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a Vazhipadu. Hence the Board obtained the opinion of the Tantri and decided to include ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a Vazhipadu item. 29. As already noticed, it is not discernible from the report dated 29.08.2016 of the learned Ombudsman on that petition or the order of the Devaswom Bench dated 05.10.2016 in DBA No. 14 of 2016, that the introduction of ‘Pushpalankaram’ as a new Vazhipadu item at Sabarimala Sannidhanam was specifically pointed out to the learned Ombudsman or before the Devaswom Bench, which passed the said order. Admittedly, the Vazhipadu item ‘Pushpalankaram’ at Sabarimala Sannidhanam finds no place either in ‘Paditharam’ or Pathivu Register. 30. According to Oxford Dictionary, ‘worshipper’ is a person who shows reverence and adoration for a deity. Right to worship is a civil right, of course in an accustomed manner and subject to the practise and tradition in each temple. A ‘worshipper’ who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Sabarimala. 31. Right to worship is a civil right, of course in an accustomed manner and subject to the practise and tradition in each temple. A ‘worshipper’ who shows reverence and adoration for Lord Ayyappa, is duty-bound to exercise his right to worship in an accustomed manner and subject to the practice and tradition in Sabarimala. 31. In view of the provisions under Sections 15A, 25 and 31 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act, the Travancore Devaswom Board is duty bound to see that the regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in Sabarimala are performed promptly; to administer Sabarimala Devaswom in accordance with recognised usages; and to make proper arrangements for the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in Sabarimala, according to its usage. 32. Tantri of a temple is responsible for the proper conduct of poojas and other religious ceremonies in accordance with Sasthras. The Tantri is the chief priest of the Devaswom, who has a vital role in the temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board as well as the Tantri of Sabarimala has to ensure that regular traditional rites and ceremonies according to the practice prevalent in Sabarimala are performed promptly and to make proper arrangements for the conduct of daily worship and ceremonies and of the festivals in Sabarimala, according to its usage. 33. When the average footfall at Sabarimala reaches 80,000-90,000 pilgrims per day during Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons, 70 to 80 pilgrims will have to move through the barricades in front of the Sopanam of Sabarimala Sannidhanam, in a minute, in order to ensure that all the pilgrims have darshan of Lord Ayyappa when the Sanctum Sanctorum remains open. The guards and Police officers on duty have to regulate the movement of pilgrims through the barricades in front of the Sopanam, in an appropriate manner, causing the least inconvenience to the pilgrims, in order to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims. 34. When ‘Pushpalankaram’ is not a vazhipadu item at Sabarimala Sannidhanam either in ‘Paditharam’ or ‘Pathivu Register’ merely on the ground that some of the devotees, who are affluent are willing to offer it as Vazhipadu, the Travancore Devaswom Board should not have permitted ‘Pushpalankaram’ as seen in the photographs reproduced hereinbefore. As evident from the photograph reproduced hereinbefore at paragraph 23, the pillars and walls of Valiyambalam are covered with golden plates. As evident from the photograph reproduced hereinbefore at paragraph 23, the pillars and walls of Valiyambalam are covered with golden plates. As evident from the photograph reproduced hereinbefore at paragraph 24, those pillars and walls are covered using flower garlands, ‘flower bouquets’ etc. ‘Pushpalankaram’ is permitted even obstructing the view of ‘Ashtadikpalakar’ in the bottom portion of the golden flag-mast. At any rate, ‘Pushpalankaram’ covering the pillars and walls of Valiyambalam which are covered with golden plates, will not add to the overall beauty of the temple, as claimed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Such floral decorations normally seen in auditoriums cannot be permitted in Sabarimala Temple, which is not a ‘tourist spot’ but a ‘holy pilgrim destination’ where Pushpalankaram should be in the traditional way with flowers used in Sabarimala for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ or for conducting poojas as per Paditharam. At any rate, no floral decorations can be permitted in the railings on the bottom portion of the golden flag-mast, obstructing the view of Ashtadikpalakar. 35. In the above circumstances, this SSCR is disposed of by restraining the Travancore Devaswom Board from permitting ‘Pushpalankaram’ by devotees at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. However, the Board is permitted to do ‘Pushpalankaram’ by itself, in a moderate way using flowers permitted for ‘Pushpabhishekam’ or for conducting poojas in Sabarimala Sannidhanam as per ‘Paditharam’ in the places permitted by the Tantri in Annexure R2(d) opinion, without obstructing the view of pillars and walls of Valiyambalam, which are covered with golden plates.