Devaswom Board Cuts Aravana Sale Limit to 10 Tins Per Devotee
Sabarimala has imposed stricter limits on the sale of Aravana prasadam as shortages continue during the ongoing pilgrimage season. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has reduced the maximum number of Aravana tins that can be purchased by a devotee from 20 to 10.
Officials said the decision was taken as demand has consistently exceeded production capacity. In recent days, the Board distributed more Aravana than it was able to produce, making further restrictions unavoidable.
Aravana is the single largest source of revenue for the Devaswom Board. Due to the new limits, officials estimate a revenue loss of ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore this season. In the first 15 days of the pilgrimage, total revenue stood at ₹92 crore, with ₹47 crore coming from Aravana sales. During the same period last year, Aravana revenue was ₹32 crore.
Last season, the average daily distribution was about 3.5 lakh tins. This year, demand has risen sharply, with daily distribution touching 4.5 lakh tins, while production capacity remains constrained. Officials said it is not currently possible to increase output further.
The Aravana production unit, which began operations in 2024, had an initial reserve of 38 lakh tins. This season, reserve stock has been increased to 48 lakh tins. The plant’s normal production capacity is 2.6 lakh tins per day, though it is now operating at full capacity to produce up to 2.9 lakh tins daily.
The Devaswom Board had initiated plans last year to expand the plant’s capacity. Construction work was started, and tenders worth ₹2.20 crore were issued for additional equipment such as boilers and coolers. However, the expansion has been stalled as court approval for the construction is still pending.
As the Mandala–Makaravilakku season continues, Aravana distribution, production limitations, and revenue impact remain major concerns for the Travancore Devaswom Board.