Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Monday criticised the TDB over the shortage of 'aravana payasam' for devotees at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala, saying that appropriate action will be taken after discussion with Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Muraleedharan told reporters that the government cannot sit idle in the matter as it has certain responsibilities and was considering informing the Kerala High Court about its concerns regarding the shortage of the 'prasadam'.
He further said that the discussions with the CM will also consider whether to appoint a special team, with the permission of the High Court, to conduct the Mandalakala-Makaravillakku pilgrimage.
His remarks come in the wake of reported shortage of the '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 shortage occurred as the manufacturing plant was being renovated and stated that it ought to have been done when the temple was closed.
When reporters pointed out that, according to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the renovation was being done now to prevent any problems during the pilgrimage season, he asked, "So shouldn't people who come to the temple before Mandalakala not get the aravana?
There should be some basis for making such statements." "The government cannot sit idle. We cannot allow such experimentation to continue. There should be no lapse in the benefits meant for the devotees at any time of the year when the temple is open.
"They should get prasadam when the temple is open. The TDB has to make arrangements for that. They should make renovations or repairs to the plant when the temple is closed or make an alternative arrangement," the minister said.
He said that issuance of statements every day by the Board will not address the issue and the government will have to take a strong stance on the matter.
"The appropriate action will be taken in the matter after discussions with the CM," he said.
