Sabarimala Case Study
Abstract
Sabarimala being a forest temple with seasonal pilgrimage have its own characteristic features which make it unique. The geographical, ecological and ritualistic uniqueness gives Sabarimala entirely different dimensions in comparison with other pilgrim centers. The flow of pilgrims from various places especially southern states of India is increasing year by year. The needs of pilgrims for accommodation, parking, resting etc. resulted in increased number of constructions and damage to the forest environment. Thus a master plan was prepared for Sabarimala with a vision of providing required facilities for pilgrims and to mitigate the impacts of pilgrimage in the wider region of influence strengthened to receive and support the influx …show more content…
The geographical, ecological and ritualistic uniqueness gives Sabarimala entirely different dimensions in comparison with other pilgrim centers. The flow of pilgrims from various places especially southern states of India is increasing year by year. (2 lakh in 1960s and 30 million in 2000s)[1][3].The needs of pilgrims for accommodation, parking, resting etc. are highly increasing and development sprawl is taking place within the temple area by engulfing the forest land. This uncontrolled development for meeting the highly increasing demand needs to be controlled immediately. Decentralising of facilities or developments from the Sannidhanam to nearest basecamps can protect forest as well as satisfy pilgrim needs. It also help in retaining the religious …show more content…
Ecological Uniqueness of Sabarimala
Periyar Tiger Reserve: Sabarimala is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), one among the Wild Life Sanctuaries in Western Ghats which is a high priority protected area.
Parts of Pampa, whole of Sannidhanam and Uppupara are located deep within this reserve forest.
Ranni Reserve Forest: Parts of Pampa and Nilakkal area are located in Ranni forest. Many sections of the trek route from Erumely also pass through this division. Left bank of Pampa is located in the Ranni forest division while the right bank comes under the PTR.
Figure 4 : Periyar Tiger Reserve
Source: Author generated from Google map
Sabarimala being a forest temple with seasonal pilgrimage have its own characteristic features which make it unique. The geographical, ecological and ritualistic uniqueness gives Sabarimala entirely different dimensions in comparison with other pilgrim centers. The flow of pilgrims from various places especially southern states of India is increasing year by year. The needs of pilgrims for accommodation, parking, resting etc. resulted in increased number of constructions and damage to the forest environment. Thus a master plan was prepared for Sabarimala with a vision of providing required facilities for pilgrims and to mitigate the impacts of pilgrimage in the wider region of influence strengthened to receive and support the influx …show more content…
The geographical, ecological and ritualistic uniqueness gives Sabarimala entirely different dimensions in comparison with other pilgrim centers. The flow of pilgrims from various places especially southern states of India is increasing year by year. (2 lakh in 1960s and 30 million in 2000s)[1][3].The needs of pilgrims for accommodation, parking, resting etc. are highly increasing and development sprawl is taking place within the temple area by engulfing the forest land. This uncontrolled development for meeting the highly increasing demand needs to be controlled immediately. Decentralising of facilities or developments from the Sannidhanam to nearest basecamps can protect forest as well as satisfy pilgrim needs. It also help in retaining the religious …show more content…
Ecological Uniqueness of Sabarimala
Periyar Tiger Reserve: Sabarimala is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), one among the Wild Life Sanctuaries in Western Ghats which is a high priority protected area.
Parts of Pampa, whole of Sannidhanam and Uppupara are located deep within this reserve forest.
Ranni Reserve Forest: Parts of Pampa and Nilakkal area are located in Ranni forest. Many sections of the trek route from Erumely also pass through this division. Left bank of Pampa is located in the Ranni forest division while the right bank comes under the PTR.
Figure 4 : Periyar Tiger Reserve
Source: Author generated from Google map