Devotees of Lord Ayyappa will now get an opportunity to present their own devotional songs at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. At present, only songs sung by renowned singers such as K. J. Yesudas and Jayavijaya are played through the public address system at Sabarimala. Going forward, newly written and composed devotional songs, rendered melodiously by devotees themselves, will also be included in this list by the Devaswom Board.
Along with the song, the lyricist, music composer, and singer must jointly submit an affidavit and a consent letter stating that the work is original and that no one else holds its copyright. The song should be submitted on a pen drive at the Public Relations Office, Sabarimala Sannidhanam. After a detailed review, the Devaswom Board will include selected songs in the list of devotional songs to be played at Sabarimala. This initiative to include new songs began last year. According to Devaswom PRO G. S. Arun, a large number of applications are being received.
At Sabarimala, the temple is opened in the early morning with the devotional song “Vande Vighneshwaram” sung by K. J. Yesudas, and the temple is closed at night with “Harivarasanam” in the same voice.
In the afternoon at 3 p.m., the temple doors are opened to the rendition of “Sreekovil Nada Thurannu” sung by Jayavijaya. Several devotional songs are also played in between announcements made for devotees. These songs played at the Sannidhanam can be heard up to Marakkoottam. It is among these that new devotional songs will now be given an opportunity as well.
