JOIN USA severe water crunch at the base camp Pampa and the temple uphill, however, is posing difficulties to the devotees, most of whom are from the neighbouring states.
The holy river Pampa, where pilgrims take a dip before starting the trek, has completely dried up. “Taking a dip in the Pampa is an essential part of the pilgrimage. Unfortunately there is no water in the river,” a devotee from Tamil Nadu said.
Temple officials said they have urged the irrigation department to open check dams upstream to ease the situation. Also some restrictions have been imposed by the temple authorities in allotting accommodation at Sannidhanam in view of the situation.
The Travancore Devaswom Board had urged devotees to return home soon after offering worship instead of camping on the temple premises.
The festival began with the “thanthri”— traditional high priest— hoisting the temple flag.
PTI