PATHANAMTHITTA: Amid rumours regarding toxic content in Arali flowers (Nerium Oleander), temples under Travancore Devaswom Board have been instructed to use only Krishna Tulsi for offerings. The Devaswom Board issued a new directive regarding the flowers to be used in temple offerings after the news that Surya Surendran, a native of Haripad, died after eating the petals of an Arali flower. Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth said that if the chemical test of the deceased woman confirms the effects of Arali's toxicity, the use of these flowers will be completely removed from the Devaswom Board temples.

A project to plant five varieties of plants used for puja in the temples of Travancore Devaswom Board is also being implemented. Jasmine, tulsi, chrysanthus, chrysanthemum and bael will be planted. Apart from this, there is direction to plant coconuts and areca. The Board's strict direction is to plant at least two areca saplings in temples with less land. Earlier, as part of Devaharitham project, 15 cents of land in the temple was cultivated with tapioca, eggplant, chillies and tomato along with nakshatra forests. The latest project is being prepared following this plan. Apart from this, it is also suggested to grow teak in temples where there is a lot of barren land.

The sub-group officers are responsible for the construction of gardens in the temples of the Devaswom Board. They should ensure the protection of the gardens by fixing the flaws in such projects earlier. For this purpose, Travancore Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth instructed to ensure the support of the advisory committee and devotees in addition to the temple staff.