Kerala weighs High Court action against Devaswom Board over Sabarimala Aravana shortfall
17 October 2026
Devaswom Minister K Muralidharan has begun consulting legal experts about approaching the Kerala High Court over the Travancore Devaswom Board's handling of Sabarimala preparations, and the matter would go before the High Court's Devaswom Bench.
The Mandala-Makaravilakku season begins on November 16, and a buffer stock of 40 lakh tins of Aravana requires production to start by October 15 at the latest.
The jaggery tender has not been awarded, and the Board must negotiate with the Kanpur-based firm that quoted the lowest rate before finalising the contract.
The Board has not invited ghee tenders this year and plans to use ghee brought by devotees for making Unniyappam and Aravana.
At the Aravana plant, 21 vats have been dismantled, and work is on to install 26 vats with pipelines, cooling chambers and boilers.
About 6 lakh tins were used during last year's Thulamasa period, and at least 9 lakh tins are expected to be needed this year.
In plain words
Aravana Aravana payasam — The jaggery-and-rice offering sold in sealed tins to pilgrims at Sabarimala.
TDB Travancore Devaswom Board — The statutory board that administers Sabarimala and other temples in the former Travancore area.