In a recent development at the Sabarimala Temple, the Travancore Devaswom Board has awarded Kalyan Jewellers and GRT Jewellers the contract to supply gold coins bearing the image of Lord Ayyappa. These 22-carat gold lockets, available in weights of 1, 2, 4, and 8 grams, will be sold to devotees through Devaswom stalls, aiming to enhance their spiritual experience with high-quality, hallmarked souvenirs.
The process began in December 2024 when the Board issued tenders for the supply of these gold lockets. Among the bidders, Kalyan Jewellers emerged successful by meeting all criteria and offering competitive rates. As the temple prepares to welcome devotees, the lockets are set to be available for booking in the upcoming months, although initial stocks are expected to be limited.
TS Kalyanaraman, the Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers, expressed his gratitude at being chosen for this sacred responsibility. He stated, “It is a divine blessing from Lord Ayyappa. We are honored to supply these gold coins, ensuring that devotees receive authentic and high-quality offerings as part of their spiritual journey at Sabarimala.”
This initiative represents a significant milestone in providing devotees with genuine and sanctified memorabilia, underscoring the Board’s dedication to enriching the pilgrimage experience at Sabarimala.
The Significance of the Initiative
This collaboration between Kalyan Jewellers, GRT Jewellers, and the Travancore Devaswom Board holds immense significance for the devotees visiting Sabarimala Temple. By offering gold coins bearing the image of Lord Ayyappa, this initiative not only provides pilgrims with a tangible and sacred souvenir but also enhances their spiritual connection to the deity. The availability of these high-quality, hallmarked lockets through Devaswom stalls ensures that devotees can partake in the religious rituals with authentic offerings, further enriching their pilgrimage experience. Expert Insight
According to Dr. Priya Nair, a religious studies scholar specializing in pilgrimage traditions, “The introduction of these gold coins at Sabarimala Temple signifies a deeper level of spiritual engagement for devotees. By incorporating tangible symbols like these lockets into the pilgrimage experience, pilgrims are not only able to connect with the deity on a material level but also carry a piece of the sacred journey with them beyond the temple grounds. Such initiatives not only uphold traditional practices but also cater to the evolving needs of modern-day pilgrims seeking meaningful connections to their faith.”
According to Dr. Priya Nair, a religious studies scholar specializing in pilgrimage traditions, “The introduction of these gold coins at Sabarimala Temple signifies a deeper level of spiritual engagement for devotees. By incorporating tangible symbols like these lockets into the pilgrimage experience, pilgrims are not only able to connect with the deity on a material level but also carry a piece of the sacred journey with them beyond the temple grounds. Such initiatives not only uphold traditional practices but also cater to the evolving needs of modern-day pilgrims seeking meaningful connections to their faith.”
As the temple gears up to welcome devotees and offer these special gold coins, the anticipation among pilgrims is palpable. The opportunity to acquire a piece of this sacred journey in the form of a gold locket bearing the image of Lord Ayyappa is sure to add a touch of reverence and devotion to their visit. With Kalyan Jewellers and GRT Jewellers at the helm of this initiative, pilgrims can expect nothing short of an authentic and spiritually enriching experience at Sabarimala Temple.