Berhampur: Parliamentarian Chandra Sekhar Sahu has sought a special train from Bhubaneswar to Ernakulam which devotees can board for a visit to Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
In a letter to East Coast Railway (ECoR) manager, Sahu urged for an exclusive special train for devotees from Bhubaneswar to Ernakulam from the first week of December to the third week of January to facilitate smooth travel to Sabarimala. “Devotees of Lord Ayyappa from Ganjam and Gajapati districts face difficulties due to heavy rush in Kerala-bound trains. Most often than not, the pilgrims are forced to take other modes of travel to reach Sabarimala,” he said.
Thousands of people in Ganjam and Gajapati districts observe 41-day deeksha, highlighting the significance of abstinence and austerity, before visiting the Sabarimala temple, the hill abode of Lord Ayyappa.