A cloud of controversy hangs over this year’s Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya, a significant ritualistic feast held at the historic Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple on September 14. Allegations have surfaced claiming that traditional protocols were not observed, leading to a serious breach of custom.
In a formal letter addressed to the Travancore Devaswom Board, Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathirippad, the temple’s esteemed Tantri (chief priest), revealed that Minister for Devaswoms V.N. Vasavan was reportedly served the sacred meal before it was ritually offered to the presiding deity. This act, according to Bhattathirippad, directly violates the time-honored traditions of the temple’s Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya.
To rectify this grave oversight, the Tantri has mandated a specific set of corrective actions. He has instructed all members of the Palliyodam Seva Sanghom, the temple’s advisory committee, along with the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner and the Devaswom Administrative Officer, to appear before the deity and perform the traditional “Ennappanam” ritual as an atonement.
Furthermore, the chief priest has clearly stipulated that any future feasts must strictly adhere to the established order: a meal prepared with 11 ‘para’ of rice must first be presented to the deity before being distributed to any participants. He underscored the critical importance of maintaining strict adherence to these sacred rituals, issuing a stern warning against any future deviations.
Officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have confirmed receiving the Tantri’s letter but have refrained from commenting on the specific allegations, stating that the matter has not yet been formally discussed.
Meanwhile, when approached by the media for his comments on the incident, Minister V.N. Vasavan chose not to respond.