Vaastu experts criticize new roof at Sabarimala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A section of Vaastu Shastra experts have criticized the new roof at the Sabarimala temple. The semi-permanent roofing in front of the sanctum sanctorum that covers the view of the flag post has irked a section of devotees as well as Vaastu experts.
"A flag post is an important source of energy in a temple and its visibility to devotees is very important. Also, the new roof will prevent sun rays from touching the 18 steps," said K Muraleedharan Nair, president, Vaastu Shastra Vigjana Peedam. Nair, who submitted a Vaastu master plan for Sabarimala, is agitated that the Travancore Devaswom Board went ahead with the construction without consulting experts.
The practice so far had been that on the days when 'padi puja' was held, a temporary roof was erected to cover the premises. It was to facilitate the smooth conduct of padi puja which is not a daily ritual. However, the TDB decided to construct a permanent roof when a devotee promised to bear the expenses. "It is irrational that at an age when there are many options for temporary roofing, the Board has opted for a permanent structure," said Nair.
But, Sabarimala chief commissioner and chief secretary K Jayakumar has said that no permanent structure was placed above the flag post. "It is semi-permanent. Earlier, there were controversies regarding this. But it is a closed chapter now," he said. Vasthu Sastra Vigjanan Peedam alleged that the decision of the TDP to demolish the flyover at Sannidhanam was sabotaged by some vested interests.
A section of Vasthu sasthra experts have come up with criticism on the new construction at Sabarimala temple that hides the flag post from the view of devotees. The semi-permanent roofing in front of the sanctum sanctorum that covers the flag post was what irked a section of devotees and vasthu experts.
"The flag post is covered with a roof now. The glass top has already become ugly with algae growing on top of it. A flag post is an important source of energy in a temple and its visibility to devotees is very important. More than that, the roof will prevent sun rays from touching the 18 steps," said K Muraleedharan Nair, president, Vasthu Sasthra Vigjana peedam. Nair who submitted a Vasthu master plan for Sabarimala is agitated that the Travancore Devaswom Board went ahead with the construction of roof without proper consultation with experts.
The practice so far had been that on the days when Padi ppoja was held, a temporary roof was erected to cover the premises. It was to facilitate the smooth conduct of padi pooja which is not a daily ritual. However, the TDB decided to construct a roof permanently when a devotee promised to bear the expenses. "It is irrational that at an age when there are many options for temporary roofing, the Board has gone for a permanent structure," said Nair. The new roof hides the view of flag post for devotees who are standing in the queue to climb the holy 18 steps.
Sabarimala chief commissioner and chief secretay K Jayakumar said no permanent structure was placed above the flag post. "It is a semi-permanent roof. There were lot controversies earlier regarding this. Some even went to the court. But, it is a closed chapter now," he said.
Vasthu Sastra vigjanan peedam also alleged that the decision of the TDP and the government to demolish the flyover at Sannidhanam was also sabotaged by some vested interests.