Kerala m Health Minister K Muralidharan on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction over the shortage of ‘Aravana prasadam’ at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam, which has led to protests among Ayyappa pilgrims, and questioned the Travancore Devaswom Board ‘s (TDB) decision to undertake renovation work at the plant while the hill shrine was open to devotees.
“The Travancore Devaswom Board president called me and explained that, with the pilgrimage season approaching, renovation work was being carried out at the plant. However, normally, such renovation work is undertaken when the temple is closed. In this case, the work was carried out at a time when the maximum number of devotees visit Sabarimala ahead of the Mandala season.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram , Muralidharan said that while the TDB President had contacted him and explained that technical maintenance was being carried out at the plant ahead of the pilgrimage season, the timing of the work raised concerns. Naturally, this has raised serious concerns,” the Minister said. Underlining the concerns among pilgrims, Muralidharan said that logistical issues arising ahead of the peak pilgrimage season could raise questions about preparedness during the period of increased footfall.
You are aware of the limitations within which the government functions in such matters. The government does not have the authority to take direct action against the Devaswom Board. Such action can only be initiated through the court. However, when an issue of this nature arises, the minister cannot remain silent,” Muralidharan asserted. Emphasising joint political accountability, he added, “If devotees face any difficulty in obtaining darshan at Sabarimala, the criticism will not be directed only at the Devaswom Board president. The minister in charge of the Devaswom Department and the government will also be held responsible. Muralidharan further stated that he had spoken to representatives of other organisations regarding the timing of the renovation work.
Because of the renovation work, but indicated that such a situation would not be repeated in the future, “The Devaswom Board president explained that the shortage occurred. Therefore, I will express my dissatisfaction whenever necessary.
the Minister said the administration would continue to take note of issues affecting devotees While acknowledging the statutory limitations restricting direct government control over the autonomous temple board. The representatives also told him that such renovation work is not normally carried out while the temple remains open, according to the Minister.
However, the issue is whether this could not have been anticipated earlier.
