Aravana Prasadam Shortage at Sabarimala Temple Triggers Protests

The Minister questioned the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) decision to undertake renovation work at the Aravana plant while the hill shrine remained open to devotees.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Muralidharan said the TDB President had contacted him and explained that technical maintenance was being carried out at the plant ahead of the pilgrimage season.

However, the Minister questioned the timing of the work, saying such renovation is normally undertaken when the temple is closed.

"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," the Minister said.

Underlining concerns among pilgrims, Muralidharan said logistical issues ahead of the peak pilgrimage season could raise questions about preparedness during the period of increased footfall.

"It was during this period that the shortage of Aravana prasadam occurred. The concern among devotees is that if the situation is like this now, what will happen during the peak pilgrimage season?" he said.

The Minister said the government was examining the matter carefully and stressed that it was the government's responsibility to ensure that devotees do not face difficulties.

Muralidharan also acknowledged the statutory limitations restricting direct government control over the autonomous temple board.

"The Devaswom Board president explained that the shortage occurred because of the renovation work, but indicated that such a situation would not be repeated in the future. However, the issue is whether this could not have been anticipated earlier," he said.

He added that the government does not have the authority to take direct action against the Devaswom Board and that such action can only be initiated through the court.

"However, when an issue of this nature arises, the minister cannot remain silent," Muralidharan asserted.

Emphasising joint political accountability, he said criticism over difficulties faced by devotees would not be limited to the Devaswom Board.

"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," he said.

Muralidharan further stated that he had spoken to representatives of other organisations regarding the timing of the renovation work. According to the Minister, they also said that such renovation work is not normally carried out while the temple remains open.

The shortage of Aravana prasadam has prompted concerns among pilgrims and brought renewed focus on arrangements to meet the requirements of devotees during the pilgrimage season.