Thrissur: The All India President of Hind Navotthana Prastistan (HNP) Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha today said the 'Makara Jyothi' at Sabarimala temple was 'Man-made' and should be stopped immediately .
In a letter to the Sabarimala Ombudsman, a copy of which was circulated to the media, he said the man made 'Makara Jyoti' disparages and descrates the Makara samkarama Darshan of Thiruvabharanam-decked Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala by alluring devotess with fraudulent flame hoisted elsewhere.
The death of 102 Ayyappa devotees following a stampede after witnessing the 'Makara Jyothi' on January 14 was a matter of national agony and concern, as pilgrims from all over the country arrive at the shrine adhering to special vows, he said.
He alleged that the most agonizing and disheartening part is that there is a deliberate attempt to dupe, prevent and dissuade devotees from focusing on the 'Thiruvaabharanam decked Deity of Ayyappa' by turning their attention in the opposite direction to see the artificial Jyoti.
The pilgrims visiting sabarimala every year exceeds two crore, whereas those who crowd the place for witnessing the Jyoti was about five lakh. Hence, it is incorrect to say that 'Makara Jyoti' is necessary to preserve the faith of Ayyappa Devotees.