Aravana Payasam Shortage Brews Controversy in Kerala

The shortage of ‘aravana payasam’ for devotees visiting the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala is brewing into a major controversy between the temple authorities and the state government.

The government is unhappy with the stand taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which attributed the shortage to ongoing renovation work being carried out to prevent problems during the pilgrimage season.

Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan hit back, asking, “So, shouldn’t people who come to the temple before Mandalakala get aravana? There should be some basis for making such statements,” he said.

Talking to reporters, he assured that appropriate action would be taken after discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The minister said the government could not remain idle on the matter as it had certain responsibilities. He said the government was also considering informing the Kerala High Court about its concerns over the shortage of the ‘prasadam’.

He further said discussions with the Chief Minister would also consider whether to appoint a special team, with the permission of the High Court, to oversee the Mandalakala-Makaravillakku pilgrimage.

The minister was of the view that the renovation work should have been carried out when the temple was closed. There should be no lapse in the benefits meant for devotees at any time of the year when the temple is open, he added.

“Appropriate action will be taken in the matter after discussions with the CM,” he said.

‘Aravana payasam’ is a sweet dish made from red rice, jaggery and ghee. It is a traditional temple ‘prasadam’, or sacred offering, and is particularly associated with the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.