TDB says 'Makarajyothi' is 'man-lit fire '

Thiruvananthapuram : The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) clarified that ''Makarajyothi is known to most believers as man-lit fire. It is part of the Hindu belief in connection with the temple custom.'' Downplaying debate over 'Makarajyothi' darshan, TDB President M Rajagoplan Nair told newspersons that ''it is known to most believers that it is a man-lit fire. It is part of the Hindu belief in connection with the temple custom. ''But, the Board is not going to run a campaign to propogate the belief in this regard,'' he added.

He said the TDB will take steps to demolish concrete structures around Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala.

A high level committee would soon visit Sabarimala Sannidanam and identify buildings to be demolished in the forest area.

This could help provide more space for pilgrims to take rest during the festival season, he added.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had asked the TDB to clarify whether the Makarajyothi is man-lit or celestial phenonemon.

The court interference was following the Pullumedu stampede in which 102 devotees died on Janauary 14 while returning after witnessing the ''jyothi''.

He also said the Board was against keeping the temple open through out the year as it was against traditions and customs.

The ''holy 18 steps'' would not be widened as it was against principles of temple design, he added.
--UNI






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