Allegations of not serving Onam Sadya in Sabarimala; Board president contradicts devaswom minister

PATHANAMTHITTA: Travancore Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar has contradicted Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on the allegation that Thiruvonam sadya was not served in Sabarimala. Jayakumar said there was no lapse in serving sadya and said the minister may have been misinformed.

‘We had also initially decided not to prepare the sadya. The board later decided to directly arrange the sadya at the employees’ mess, serve the employees as well as pilgrims having food there that day. The sadya at the mess was served to 3,000 pilgrims. It was also served to all police personnel and employees on duty.

We have specifically sought the records confirming that 3,000 devotees had the sadya. We are not aware of any widespread complaints regarding the matter. Portraying this as a major lapse is contrary to the truth. The information received by the minister may not have been correct. We will clarify the matter to him. Unnecessary mystery is being created over sadya,’ Jayakumar said.

Minister K Muraleedharan has directed the board to urgently investigate the allegation that sadya was not served. He has instructed the board to examine whether coordination was affected when changes were made to the existing arrangements. He also directed that strict action be taken if any lapse is found. The minister further directed the board to make procedures for arrangements including annadanam.

Sadya was organised by the melsanthi on Uthradam day, devaswaom employees on Thiruvonam day, and on avittam day by the police. The board had stipulated that those organising the sadya should also arrange the morning and evening meals. Only then the mess bill for those particular days could be reduced. Following this condition, the chief priest and the police withdrew from organising the sadya. The board then took over the responsibility of arranging the sadya for the devaswom employees.

The employees had previously organised the sadya by collecting money, including contributions from businessmen who visited Sabarimala. The board took over the arrangement after directing them to stop such collections. On Thiruvonam day, a sadya was served at the mess and fried rice at the Annadana Mandapam.