TDB Issues Tender for Sabarimala Irumudi Materials; Camphor Back on the List
The Travancore Devaswom Board has reinstated camphor in the tender for materials required to prepare the Irumudikettu (sacred bundle) for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, reversing its exclusion from the previous Mandala season. Last year, following the recommendations of Thantri Kandar Rajeev, the Board issued a directive to exclude camphor, frankincense (sambrani), and rose water (panineer) from the Irumudikettu used in rituals at Board-managed temples. This decision, as articulated by Board President P.S. Prashant and Member A. Ajikumar, was driven by safety concerns due to the fire hazards posed by camphor and frankincense, which are prohibited from being ignited during rituals.
For the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, Vishu, and monthly poojas, the tender for Pampa Ganapathi Kovil includes 2,000 kilograms of camphor. Frankincense and rose water, however, remain excluded from the procurement list.
Tender for Irumudikettu Supplies : The Travancore Devaswom Board has invited tenders for the supply of materials needed to prepare the Irumudikettu at Pampa Ganapathi Kovil for the upcoming pilgrimage season, Vishu, and monthly rituals. The required items include:
Irumudi: 400,000 units
Small bags: 800,000 units
Coconuts: 12 lakh
Ghee: 40,000 liters
Puffed rice (malar): 20,000 kg
Beaten rice (avil): 20,000 kg
Dried grapes: 10,000 kg
Rock sugar (kalkandam): 20,000 kg
Jaggery balls (sharkara unda): 40,000 kg
Turmeric powder: 4,000 kg
Camphor: 2,000 kg
Sandalwood paste (kalabham): 4,000 kg
Dried rice (unnakalarai): 100,000 kg
Cork: 400,000 units
Wax (arakku): 4,000 kg
Sacred ash (bhasmam): 4,000 kg