Alappuzha: Kottayam Kumaranellur native Iravi Narayana Bhattathiri of Mangattu Illam, who used to offer the delicacies for Thiruvona Sadya at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, passed away at the age of 70.

Being the eldest member of the family, he has been delivering the Onam special delicacies from Kattoor to Aranmula Temple in Thiruvonathoni (a special boat) for the past 21 years. The last rites was held at his residence on Friday morning.

It is believed that Mangattu Bhattathiri family who resided in Kattoor migrated to Kumaranellur as per the interest of Lord Parthasarathy. The Lord also asked them to visit him on Thiruvonam day every year with special delicacies, according to belief.

Since then, the eldest member of the Mangattu family used to offer Onam delicacies for the temple and deliver it in the Thiruvonathoni as a ritual every year without fail.