TDB: Decision to outsource ‘Pottukuthal’ withdrawn

Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has informed the high court that the decision to outsource the ‘Pottukuthal' at Erumeli temple has been withdrawn. This came in response to a plea by Manoj S Nair and Arun Satheesh of Erumeli.Considering the plea, the bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P G Ajith Kumar instructed the TDB to ensure that no illegal activities, including those by ‘kuthaka' holders, are permitted in the temple premises of Erumeli or any other temples under its management during the Masapoojas and Mandala-Makaravilakku festival seasons.The petitioners alleged that the TDB had collected a fee of Rs 10 from Ayyappa devotees for applying ‘Sacred Ash,' ‘Sindoor,' or ‘Chandan' on their body after performing the traditional ‘Pettathullal' dance. The TDB informed court that provisions have been made to enable pilgrims to use them free of cost.The board further clarified that ‘Pottukuthal' is not a ritualistic practice, but a usage followed by certain Sabarimala pilgrims who undertake ‘Pettathullal.' tnn