5 days ago
Sabarimala Aravana Shortage Sparks Protests and Government Concern
Aravana is a sweet food offering given to pilgrims at Sabarimala.
Pilgrims could not get enough of it, leading to protests.
The shortage happened while the plant that makes Aravana was being repaired.
Minister K Muralidharan said the repairs should have been done when the temple was closed.
He also said another way to supply the offering should have been arranged.
The Travancore Devaswom Board said the work was meant to prepare for the pilgrimage season.
The government said it could not ignore the problem.
It may discuss action with the Chief Minister and consider asking the High Court about oversight arrangements.
A shortage of Aravana prasadam at Sabarimala Sannidhanam has prompted protests and concern among Ayyappa pilgrims.
Minister K Muralidharan criticised renovation of the Aravana plant while the temple remained open.
The Travancore Devaswom Board said technical maintenance was intended to prevent problems during the pilgrimage season.
The minister said repairs should have been done when the temple was closed or alternative arrangements made.
The government is considering further action, including discussions with the Chief Minister and possibly informing the Kerala High Court.
- Who
- Ayyappa pilgrims, Minister K Muralidharan, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and the Kerala government.
- What
- A shortage of Aravana prasadam at Sabarimala led to protests and criticism of the timing of plant renovations.
- Where
- Sabarimala Sannidhanam in Kerala; the minister spoke to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
- When
- Reports place the statements on Sunday and Monday, September 21; the shortage occurred ahead of the Mandala-season pilgrimage period.
- Why
- The Aravana manufacturing plant was undergoing renovation or technical maintenance while the temple was open to devotees.
Government Criticism
Devaswom Board Explanation
Timing of repairs
Government Criticism
The minister said renovations should have been conducted when the temple was closed, or that the Board should have made alternative arrangements so devotees could receive prasadam.
Devaswom Board Explanation
The Travancore Devaswom Board said technical maintenance was being carried out ahead of the pilgrimage season to prevent future problems.
Responsibility for the shortage
Government Criticism
The minister said the shortage should have been anticipated and that the government could not remain idle while devotees faced difficulties.
Devaswom Board Explanation
The Board president attributed the shortage to the renovation work and indicated that the situation would not be repeated.
Government oversight
Government Criticism
The minister said the government had responsibilities and was considering strong action, discussions with the Chief Minister, and informing the High Court.
Devaswom Board Explanation
The minister also acknowledged that the autonomous Board limits direct government intervention and that court action or permission may be necessary.
Key facts
- Affected offering
- Aravana prasadam, also called Aravana payasam, made from red rice, jaggery and ghee.
- Affected site
- Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala Sannidhanam.
- Reported cause
- Renovation or technical maintenance at the Aravana manufacturing plant.
- Board's explanation
- The Travancore Devaswom Board said the work was intended to prevent problems during the pilgrimage season.
- Minister's criticism
- Repairs should have been carried out when the temple was closed, or an alternative supply should have been arranged.
- Possible next steps
- The minister said action would follow discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan; the government was also considering informing the Kerala High Court.
- Government limitation
- The minister said the government cannot directly act against the autonomous Devaswom Board and that court involvement may be required.
Quotes
K Muraleedharan
Kerala Devaswom Minister
“Normally, such renovation work is undertaken when the temple is closed. In this case, the work was carried out at a time when the maximum number of devotees visit Sabarimala ahead of the Mandala season. Naturally, this has raised serious concerns.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If devotees face any difficulty in obtaining darshan at Sabarimala, the criticism will not be directed only at the Devaswom Board president. The minister in charge of the Devaswom Department and the government will also be held responsible.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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