Sabarimala’s Prasadam to Be Prepared with Milma Ghee, Says TDB
Thiruvananthapuram – The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has Decided that it will procure two lakh litres of ghee from Milma, a Kerala-based dairy cooperative, for preparing prasadam at the Sabarimala temple, discontinuing the practice of purchasing ghee from outside the state. This decision is part of the preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season, ensuring high-quality offerings for devotees.
Previously, the TDB sourced ghee from external suppliers, often from other states, prioritizing the lowest price through tenders. The only rigorous check was to ensure the ghee was free of toxic elements, despite annual price fluctuations. To address quality concerns, TDB President P.S. Prashanth and member S. Ajikumar emphasized that sourcing from Milma guarantees superior standards, even if the cost may be slightly higher than current market rates. The final price is yet to be finalized.
In addition to ghee, the TDB has secured contracts for most offering-related items, including 40 lakh kilograms of jaggery for appam and aravana production and approximately two crore cans for aravana packaging. The Kerala High Court has also Approved the expansion and renovation of the aravana plant at Sannidhanam, along with other infrastructural upgrades, to support the temple’s operations.