THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just a few days left for the ‘Karkidakavavu Bali’, all arrangements have been made at Thiruvallom Parasurama Temple for ‘bali tharpan.’ The Devaswom Board and City Corporation, along with other departments, have completed all preparations for the ‘bali’ day, that falls on Friday.
It is estimated that at least one lakh devotees will be performing ‘bali tharpan’ at Parasurama Temple. The Devaswom Board has arranged nine ‘bali mandapams.’ Around 3,000 people can perform ‘bali tharpan’ at a time, temple administrative officer Gopalakrishnan Nair told ‘City Express’. Ten 10 head priests have been appointed for the task. Apart from this, another 20 priests will also lead the ‘bali’ offerings.
Stating that all arrangements have been completed, Nair said temporary ‘bali mandapams’ have been arranged on the 1.5-acre land situated west of the temple. Temporary barricades have also been erected to control the crowd. The desiltation and cleaning of bathing ghats by the City Corporation is also almost complete, Nair added.
The co-operation of the Police, Water Authority, Electricity Board, KSRTC, Fire and Rescue Services, Health, Tourism, and LSG Departments has been ensured for the ritual.
Temple priest Praveen Kumar said that the rituals will begin at 2.30 am on Friday and continue till 2.30 pm. He also said that special officers have been appointed for each ‘bali mandapam.’
Apart from Thiruvallom Parasurama Temple, Aruvikkara and Shangumugham beach are the places where the people throng in large numbers for offering ‘bali’.
Allegations Raised
Some residents at Aruvikkara have come out against the preparations made for the ritual in the area. They said that only three or four priests have been entrusted with leading the ‘bali tharpan’ which, according to them, was not insufficient. Moreover, it is alleged that there is not enough space at the ‘bali mandapam’ and no temporary ‘bali mandapams’ have been set up. With insufficient number of priests, only around 150 people can perform ‘bali tharpan’ at a time, which could lead to long queues. Around 75,000 people had performed ‘bali’ at Aruvikkara last year and this year, a larger number is expected. However, there are allegations that not enough arrangements have been made.