PATHANAMTHITTA: The Travancore Devaswom Board has slightly relaxed the restrictions imposed on the distribution of ‘Aravana Payasam’ at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Devotees are now being issued two tins of Aravana each.
The move comes following widespread protests from pilgrims after the distribution was strictly capped at just one tin per devotee when the shrine reopened for the monthly pujas of the Malayalam month of Kanni. Over 40,000 pilgrims have visited the hill shrine since the opening of the temple.
Devaswom Board’s Explanation & Growing Rift
The Devaswom Board explained that the initial restrictions were put in place due to ongoing maintenance and renovation work at the Aravana manufacturing plant.
However, the curbs on the distribution of both ‘Appam’ and ‘Aravana’ sparked dissatisfaction not only among devotees but also from the Minister for Devaswom. Although the Minister spoke with Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar over the phone, reports suggest he was dissatisfied with the response provided.
With just two months left before the commencement of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, differences of opinion between the Devaswom Ministry and the Board leadership have surfaced publicly. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Engineer has been directed to complete all ongoing construction and maintenance works at Sabarimala by October 30 ahead of the peak season.
