The 84-year-old Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan became the first Marxist leader to visit the famed Sabarimala temple when he trekked a forest route to have a first-hand knowledge of the problems faced by the devotees.

Velikakathu Shankaran Achuthanandan, popularly known as 'Comrade VS', heading the CPI(M)-led LDF government, reached the hilltop here last night after an eight-km trek along with thousands of pilgrims pouring into the shrine to have a 'darshan' of Lord Ayyappa during the peak pilgrimage season.

The Chief Minister did not show any signs of exhaustion after the three-hour-long trekking. Achuthanandan who is also a regular practitioner of Yoga, met temple officials this morning and announced a master-plan to develop this remote shrine, currently attracting lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country.

Devotees observe a 48-day strict regimen before making their pilgrimage, carrying 'erumudi'(offerings) on their heads.

The shrine, believed to have been existing since 1200 AD, also represents a secular character as devotees first offer worship at the mosque of Vavar, a Muslim associate of Ayyappa.

Though the shrine is open to people from all religions, women in the age group of 10-50 are, however, banned from entering it.

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