Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Sunday said that the government was seriously looking into the shortage of 'aravana payasam' at the Lord Ayappa shrine in Sabarimala.

Muraleedharan told reporters that he spoke to Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar in the morning who told him that the shortage was due to the renovation of the aravana plant ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

The minister said that usually the renovation takes place when the temple is closed and not when it is open for devotees, like it is now.

"However, this time it was done when a lot of devotees were coming ahead of the pilgrimage season to avoid the rush at that time. That is why the shortage occurred.

"Devotees are concerned what would be situation during the pilgrimage season. The government is vigilant about the issue and it is our responsibility to ensure pilgrims do not face any problems," Muraleedharan said.

'Aravana payasam' -- a sweet dish made from red rice, jaggery and ghee -- is a traditional temple 'prasadam' or sacred offering in the state, especially at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala.

The minister said that the TDB president has assured that this will not happen in future and the plant will be renovated while the temple is closed.

He said that the Board was unable to foresee this problem, but the government cannot take action against the TDB.

"That can only be done through the courts," he contended.

He further said that when such issues occur, as a minister he has to respond as he would be held responsible for any lapse or problem at Sabarimala.