Sabarimala Aravana shortage sparks pilgrim protests; Minister Muraleedharan questions TDB

Thiruvananthapuram: A shortage of Aravana prasadam at Sabarimala has triggered protests among Ayyappa pilgrims, with Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan questioning the timing of maintenance work at the Aravana plant.

Muraleedharan said the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had informed him that technical work was being carried out ahead of the pilgrimage season. He questioned why the work was undertaken while the temple remained open and large numbers of devotees were visiting.

He said the shortage had raised concerns among pilgrims about whether similar issues could arise during the peak pilgrimage season.

Also read | Despite collecting Rs 327 crore in fines, Kerala AI cameras face fresh data lock over Rs 60 crore dues

Government monitoring the issue

Muraleedharan said the government was examining the matter and had a responsibility to ensure that devotees did not face difficulties.

He also pointed out that the government has limited powers to intervene directly in the functioning of the autonomous Devaswom Board.

“The government does not have the authority to take direct action against the Devaswom Board. Such action can only be initiated through the court. However, when an issue of this nature arises, the minister cannot remain silent,” he said.

Also read | No long-term deals since Oommen Chandy govt; Kerala now faces power crisis; What happened in 12 years?

Concerns ahead of peak season

According to Muraleedharan, the TDB President assured him that the shortage linked to the maintenance work would not recur.

The Minister said he had also spoken to representatives of other organisations about the timing of the work, and they too said such maintenance is not normally carried out while the temple is open.

The shortage has raised concerns over arrangements at Sabarimala ahead of the peak pilgrimage season and the expected increase in pilgrim footfall.

 

(With ANI inputs)