Devaswom Minister faults Travancore Devaswom Board over aravana shortage at Sabarimala
21 September 2026
On 21 September 2026, Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) over a shortage of aravana payasam at the Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine.
Aravana, made from red rice, jaggery and ghee, is offered as prasadam at Sabarimala.
The minister said the shortage occurred because the manufacturing plant was being renovated and that the work should have been done while the temple was closed; the TDB has said the renovation was being done now to prevent problems during the pilgrimage season.
He said 'The government cannot sit idle' and action would follow after discussions with the Chief Minister.
The government is considering informing the Kerala High Court and, with the court's permission, appointing a special team for the Mandalakala-Makaravillakku pilgrimage.
In plain words
TDB Travancore Devaswom Board — The statutory board that manages Sabarimala and other temples of the former Travancore State.
Aravana — A sweet offering of red rice, jaggery and ghee given as prasadam at Sabarimala.