Sabarimala receives 9 kg gold as offering for new flag mast

TDB decided to replace the flag mast after an astrological consultation
The teak for new flag mast was brought from Konni forest
The new mast will be dedicated to the temple on June 25

Sabarimala temple received 9.16 kilogrammes of gold as offering for coating the new flag mast in the Lord Ayyappa shrine. The foundation stone laying ceremony of new flag mast will be held on April 7.

The gold has been brought to the strong room of Aranmula Devaswom. The gold coating ceremony will be held at Pamba on April 6. The new mast is expected to cost ₹3.2 crore.

The new mast will be dedicated to the Temple on June 25. A ten-day festival will be held in connection with the ceremony.

Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) decided to replace existing mast with a new one after an astrological consultation. The devaprasnam prescribed replacement of the mast as it was damaged or decayed.

The teak costing over ₹7 lakh for the new mast was brought from Konni forests. On completing the carpentry works, the wood the curning process began. The wood was kept immersed in medicated oil for six months.

TDB sources said that over 130-kilogramme gold is needed for covering the wooden mast with gold plates.

Last Updated Mar 31, 2018, 6:37 PM IST