Pathanamthitta: A letter from the Thantri (chief priest) to the Travancore Devaswom Board has alleged a serious breach of ritual protocol during the Aranmula Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya. The issue raised is that the ceremonial feast (Vallasadya) was served to the Minister before it was offered to the deity, which the Thantri has termed a violation of temple custom. The letter, dated October 12, was sent by Thantri Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathiripad.

The Thantri has reportedly demanded that a public atonement ritual be performed for this breach. As part of the corrective measures, he directed that all members of the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (the group responsible for organising the Vallasadya), along with members of the temple advisory committee and administrative committee, must publicly offer “uruli vechcha ennapanam” (a traditional ritual involving offerings in a brass vessel) in front of the deity.

In addition, an 11-para (traditional measure) rice meal must be prepared, including a nivedyam (offering) made of one para rice, and four side dishes. The feast must only be served to attendees after it is first offered to the deity.

The Thantri also instructed that a formal oath be taken by organisers, vowing that such a mistake will not happen again, and that the event will henceforth be conducted strictly as per ritual norms.

The Aranmula Vallasadya was held on September 14, with Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan inaugurating the event. However, the controversy arose after it was alleged that the feast was served to the Minister and other dignitaries before being presented to the deity. The Palliyoda Seva Sangham had explained that this was done due to scheduling constraints and other commitments of the minister and guests.