Date:07/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/07/stories/2009110758720200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Sabarimala visit to be hassle-free

Staff Reporter

Helpdesk for Ayyappa devotees to open on November 13

Helpdesks to guide devotees about road and rail connectivity, facilities available
Ayyappa devotees will be providing the required information to fellow devotees

HYDERABAD: Ayyappa devotees in twin cities can look forward for a hassle-free visit to Sabarimala this time with Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam deciding to set up helpdesks at important temples and stations across the State.

The first helpdesk will be inaugurated at Secunderabad railway station on November 13. The helpdesks will guide devotees about road and rail connectivity to Sabarimala, medical aid, food, cottages and other facilities available enroute Sabarimala. The facility will help thousands of devotees in all fronts in having darshan of Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala.

Problems faced

Informing this to presspersons here on Friday, Samajam president Venkateshwar Sharma Guruswamy said two Ayyappa devotees would be providing the required information to fellow devotees at each helpdesk.

The concept was mooted following problems being faced by Ayyappa swamis during their journey every year because of lack of proper information, he explained.

He said efforts were on to set up similar facilities in over 200 Ayyappa temples across the State.

“We are also planning to approach insurance companies to ensure insurance facility to Ayyappa swamis,” he said.

The Samajam would be organising ‘Viswa Shanti Shobha Yatra’ from NTR Stadium to Necklace Road on November 30 in which one lakh devotees will be participating, he added.