Aravana shortage to turn acute in coming days

The Aravana crisis that has gripped the State administration and the Sabarimala temple will turn more serious in the days to come, a report of the Travancore Dewaswom Board said. The acute shortage of Aravana, which is considered very important and is a part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, during the year has turned the situation from bad to worse.

The reports indicated that the shortage would be more acute as proper planning has not been done to streamline the process of distribution of Aravana. Dewaswom Minister G Sudhakaran has drawn flak from all corners for his total failure in containing the situation, which has affected thousands of Ayyappa devotees who came to the temple from far off places and States.

The Hindu organisations have already alleged that the Aravana shortage and the subsequent issues were a creation to destroy the reputation of the temple among the believers who regularly reach the temple from all over the Country and even abroad.

The Pioneer had earlier reported that the Dewaswom Board has not done anything to stop the pilferage, which is going unabated in the counting chambers. Even after properly identifying the culprits, the board has not done anything to stop the pilferage of the money being given as offering to the lord by genuine devotees. With the Travancore Dewaswom board not doing anything to clear the obstacles faced by the pilgrims arriving at the temple from all places, there is a large section of the devotees who opines that a special officer with decision making powers be given charge of the Temple administration during the season.

This section argues that this is the only way out for saving the customs and rituals at the hill shrine being maintained and conducted properly.