Aravana Restriction Continues at Sabarimala as Plant Renovation Disrupts Production; Devaswom Minister Raises Concerns
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| Photo by Subrat |
Today’s Visuals: Devotees Carrying a Single Aravana Tin at Sabarimala
Thiruvananthapuram: The restriction on Aravana distribution at Sabarimala continues, with devotees currently being allowed to purchase only one tin of Aravana per person. Devotees have also reported that Appam distribution has been restricted to one unit of Appam per person.The restriction has been imposed as renovation work is underway at the Aravana production plant. The plant has remained closed for the past 20 days due to the ongoing construction and renovation activities.
Although the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had issued a press release indicating that restrictions would be in place during the Kanni month pooja, criticism has intensified over the alleged failure to ensure adequate reserve stock in advance.
The Devaswom Board has explained that the number of devotees during the monthly pooja was higher than anticipated, resulting in greater-than-expected demand for Aravana.
Amid the controversy, Minister K. Muraleedharan has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Devaswom Board president and stated that he has differences of opinion with the Board's decisions.
The minister also criticised the timing of the renovation work at Sabarimala, pointing out that such works should ideally be carried out when the temple remains closed to devotees.
He expressed concern over the situation during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season, asking what the situation would be like if such difficulties were already being reported during the current period.
According to Muraleedharan, ensuring that devotees do not face difficulties at Sabarimala is the responsibility of the government. He said the government is closely monitoring the arrangements and that the Devaswom Board should have anticipated such issues in advance.
The minister further said that when problems arise at Sabarimala, questions are ultimately directed at the minister and the government, making it necessary for him to respond to issues concerning the Board's functioning.