The Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala in Kerala is likely to introduce a paid entry scheme to the sanctum sanctorum for a special Darshan.
Reports say that this facility will be available only for VIP pilgrims who visit the shrine as guests of the state government, the Travancore Devaswom Board or the police. This special paid entry system allows devotees to bow before the deity without being caught up in the rush and to make offerings.
Officers on special duty from various departments and their families too would reportedly be entitled to this service.
Though there is a VIP area for devotees with a pass signed by the Executive Officer near the sanctum sanctorum, devotees now have to wait for more than two hours for their turn to bow in front of the deity. Only those who own authorized pass are allowed in this area.
Reports say that this situation will change once the paid pass system is introduced.