‘Sabarimala vedi vazhipadu not a core ritual,’ says Tantri; IB flags safety hazard

Thiruvananthapuram: The continuation of ‘Vedivazhipadu’ (gunpowder offering) at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam has been thrown into uncertainty following a formal declaration by the temple's Tantri (chief priest) that the practice is not part of core rituals, alongside severe safety warnings raised by the Central Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Reflecting this uncertainty, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has omitted ‘Vedivazhipadu’ from its latest tender call for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The existing operator contract for the offering is scheduled to expire on November 15.

‘Offering not rooted in tantric rites’

According to official sources, a letter written by former Tantri Mahesh Mohanararu claimed that ‘Vedivazhipadu’ holds no statutory position within tantric rites, temple canons or prescribed worship routines at Sabarimala. The priest noted that the offering evolved gradually over time purely as a devotional practice introduced by pilgrims.

This canonical clarification provides legal and administrative leverage for the TDB to discontinue the practice altogether. Board officials are set to hold formal discussions on the matter with the Pathanamthitta District Collector.

Intelligence Bureau flags Explosives Act violations

Safety concerns were formally initiated 6 months ago when two IB officials inspected the Sannidhanam to examine gunpowder storage facilities, handling mechanisms and safety clearance zones near pilgrim thoroughfares.

The IB evaluation indicated that continuing ‘Vedivazhipadu’ in its current format violates mandatory safety standards mandated under the Explosives Act of 1884 and the Explosives Rules of 2008. Statutory guidelines mandate a strict physical distance between explosive storage facilities and public gatherings, a requirement that officials deem practically impossible to enforce amidst the massive crowds at the Sannidhanam.

The IB assessment also highlighted a fatal incident 3 years ago at Malikappuram, where an explosive accident resulted in two deaths.

Under present licensing terms, the Sabarimala Executive Officer holds sole legal liability for any explosive-related hazard or accident occurring on the premises.