A minor fire incident occurred at the renowned Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Kerala on Monday, causing brief alarm but resulting in no injuries or significant damage. The swift action of the temple's own fire safety team and the local fire and rescue services prevented the situation from escalating.
Immediate Response Contains Kitchen Blaze
The fire was reported in the temple's Valiya Nadappanthal area, which houses one of the large community kitchens used for preparing prasadam (holy offering). According to officials, the blaze originated from a chimney duct in the kitchen complex around 11:30 AM on March 18, 2024. Thick smoke billowed from the site, prompting immediate evacuation and emergency protocols.
Personnel from the Sabarimala temple fire station were the first to respond. They were quickly joined by fire and rescue units from the nearby Pamba base station. Using fire extinguishers and water jets, the teams managed to completely douse the flames within a short time. Their coordinated effort ensured the fire did not spread to other critical parts of the temple complex.
No Casualties, Pilgrimage Continues Unhindered
Authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries to devotees, staff, or firefighters. The damage was confined to a section of the chimney and its surrounding duct area in the kitchen. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by a build-up of soot and grease within the chimney, which ignited during cooking activities.
Despite the incident, the daily darshan (holy viewing) and rituals at the hill shrine continued without any major disruption. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, stated that operations returned to normal swiftly. The board has also announced a detailed inspection of all fire safety mechanisms across the temple premises to prevent any future occurrences.
Focus on Safety Measures at Pilgrim Centers
This event has brought renewed attention to fire safety protocols in India's major pilgrimage centers, which often see massive crowds. The Sabarimala temple, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, attracts millions of devotees annually, especially during the peak Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.
Officials highlighted that the presence of a dedicated fire station within the temple complex was instrumental in the rapid containment. They reiterated the importance of regular maintenance of kitchen exhaust systems and electrical fittings in such high-usage environments. The incident serves as a reminder for all religious institutions to conduct frequent safety audits and staff training.
The local administration and temple authorities have assured the public that the situation is fully under control and that all necessary precautions are being reinforced to ensure the safety and security of all visitors to the sacred site.
