Vallabhassery Govindan Vaidyar, a disciple of the Guru, was the first to propose the idea of Sivagiri becoming a pilgrimage center. This vision likely stemmed from the profound devotion and adoration devotees held for the Guru. At the time, those unable to visit Kashi often journeyed to Varkala Papanasam, known as Dakshina Kashi, and the Janardhana Swamy Temple for darshan. However, people from backward communities were denied entry to the temple. Vaidyar must have been deeply influenced by the conviction that establishing Sivagiri as a pilgrimage center would grant freedom of worship and travel to a large segment of the population previously denied these fundamental rights.
Despite Govindan Vaidyar discussing his idea with active members of the S.N.D.P. Yogam, only T. K. Kittan Writer showed genuine support. Vaidyar also sought the counsel of his Guru, Muloor Padmanabha Panicker, through a letter. Together, Vaidyar and Writer meticulously prepared a blueprint for the pilgrimage. It was during this period, while en route to Vaikom, that the Guru arrived at the Nagampadam Shiva Temple in Kottayam. Seizing this opportunity, Vaidyar, guided by Writer, approached the Guru and formally requested permission to organize an annual pilgrimage to Sivagiri. The Guru responded, "That is a good decision; we can bathe in the water here and worship Sharada Devi”.
While the Guru approved many of Vaidyar's proposed pilgrimage methods, he advised that others be implemented with certain modifications. He clarified that Sivagiri pilgrims would not need to carry the traditional pilgrim's bundle, as is customary for Sabarimala, nor observe rigorous ‘deeksha’ (vows/penance). The Guru emphasized that strict conditions were unnecessary. He further suggested that pilgrims gather in Sivagiri on the Gregorian New Year, January 1st, and advised that yellow attire could be used to identify them, noting that white clothes could easily be dyed yellow with turmeric. The journey itself, he instructed, should be undertaken without extravagance. Later, the Guru provided additional instructions to Vallabhassery during a subsequent visit to Sivagiri.
