1,000 Ayyappa devotees end pilgrimage

MADURAI: Around 1000 Ayyappa devotees, unable to proceed to Sabarimala following Mullaiperiyar dam issue, removed their sacred chain of beads at a local temple in Palani.As tension in Tamil Nadu-Kerala border continued for the seventh consecutive day devotees were unable to reach Sabarimala through Kumili route. Many devotees who got stuck near Gudular removed their sacred chain at a local Ayyappa temple after performing the rituals they practice at Sabarimala.Meanwhile in the last two days, many Ayyappa  devotees followed a similar practice in Palani.“We pray Palani Murugan before leaving for  Sabarimala. However, this time, we removed the sacred chain of beads at a local Ayyappa  temple near Rope car station here as the Kumili route is blocked,” said a devotee.Many devotees found it difficult to wait for long in Palani, as it is not economically viable for them. Many hail  from poor economic background. “We save money for six months from our daily wages for Sabarimala pilgrimage. If we stay one day extra at a place, we need to pay extra charge for the tourist vehicles, “ the devotee added.