Kerala’s Health Minister K Muralidharan raised concerns on Sunday about the ongoing shortage of ‘Aravana prasadam’ at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. This scarcity has sparked protests among Ayyappa pilgrims. Muralidharan questioned the decision made by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to proceed with renovation work at the prasadam production plant while the hill shrine remains open to worshippers.
“The Travancore Devaswom Board president called me and explained that, with the pilgrimage season approaching, renovation work was being carried out at the plant. However, normally, such renovation work is undertaken when the temple is closed. In this case, the work was carried out at a time when the maximum number of devotees visit Sabarimala ahead of the Mandala season. You are aware of the limitations within which the government functions in such matters. 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,” Muralidharan asserted. Emphasising joint political accountability, he added, “If devotees face any difficulty in obtaining darshan at Sabarimala, the criticism will not be directed only at the Devaswom Board president. The minister in charge of the Devaswom Department and the government will also be held responsible.
Because of the renovation work, but indicated that such a situation would not be repeated in the future, “The Devaswom Board president explained that the shortage occurred. Therefore, I will express my dissatisfaction whenever necessary.”
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram , Muralidharan said that while the TDB President had contacted him and explained that technical maintenance was being carried out at the plant ahead of the pilgrimage season, the timing of the work raised concerns. Naturally, this has raised serious concerns,” the Minister said. Underlining the concerns among pilgrims, Muralidharan said that logistical issues arising ahead of the peak pilgrimage season could raise questions about preparedness during the period of increased footfall. the Minister said the administration would continue to take note of issues affecting devotees While acknowledging the statutory limitations restricting direct government control over the autonomous temple board.
However, the issue is whether this could not have been anticipated earlier.
Muralidharan further stated that he had spoken to representatives of other organisations regarding the timing of the renovation work.
The representatives also told him that such renovation work is not normally carried out while the temple remains open, according to the Minister.
