Sabarimala: With the shortage of Aravana prasadam worsening at the Sabarimala temple, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has further tightened restrictions on its distribution to devotees. The Board has now capped the sale at 10 tins of Aravana per person, down from the earlier limit of 20 tins imposed a few days ago.

Officials said the reduction became necessary as demand has continued to outstrip production capacity. The Devaswom Board was forced to distribute more Aravana than it could produce, prompting the fresh curbs during the ongoing pilgrimage season.

Aravana remains the single largest source of revenue for the Devaswom Board. With the restrictions in place, officials estimate a revenue loss of ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore this season. In the first 15 days alone, the Board recorded a total income of ₹92 crore, of which ₹47 crore came from Aravana sales. By comparison, Aravana revenue during the same period last year stood at ₹32 crore.

Last season, an average of 3.5 lakh tins of Aravana were distributed daily. This year, daily distribution has surged to 4.5 lakh tins, even as production capacity remains limited. Officials said it is not currently feasible to further increase daily output.

When the Aravana production unit was opened in 2024, it had a reserve stock of 38 lakh tins. This season, the reserve has been increased to 48 lakh tins. The plant’s standard production capacity is 2.6 lakh tins per day, though it is currently operating at maximum capacity to produce up to 2.9 lakh tins daily.

The Devaswom Board had initiated steps last year to expand the Aravana plant’s capacity. Construction work was started, and tender procedures worth ₹2.20 crore were launched to install additional equipment, including boilers and coolers. However, officials said the expansion has been stalled as the court has not granted permission for the construction.

Sabarimala Aravana distribution, production capacity and revenue remain key concerns for the Travancore Devaswom Board as the pilgrim rush continues during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season.