Sabarimala Aravana shortage triggers pilgrim protests in Kerala

A shortage of ‘Aravana prasadam’ at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam has triggered protests among Ayyappa pilgrims in Kerala. The shortage was linked to technical maintenance and renovation work being conducted at the production plant.

Kerala Health Minister K Muralidharan questioned the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) regarding the timing of the maintenance. He noted that such renovation work is typically performed when the temple is closed, rather than while it remains open to large numbers of devotees ahead of the peak Mandala pilgrimage season.

The Minister expressed concern that these logistical issues could signal a lack of preparedness for the upcoming period of increased footfall. While acknowledging that the government has limited authority to intervene directly in the autonomous Devaswom Board, Muralidharan stated that the administration is examining the matter to ensure devotees do not face further difficulties. The TDB President has reportedly assured that the shortage will not recur.