Supply Issues at Sabarimala.. Board Issues Key Statement on Ghee Shortage

A shortage of ghee has emerged at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple as the arrival of devotees gathers pace during the pilgrimage season. Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president Jayakumar acknowledged the shortage on Monday, expressing concern over the available stocks. He said the board had initiated steps to procure additional supplies. Speaking to reporters after a board meeting held ahead of the annual pilgrimage season, he clarified that there was no shortage of Aravana and Appam prasadam.

Jayakumar also acknowledged certain operational issues at the temple during its recent opening for the Sree Chithira Atta Visesham. These included delays in Appam preparation and water supply disruptions in some areas. He attributed the problems to the expiry of previous contracts on October 31 and the delay in implementing new agreements. However, he maintained that there were no current concerns regarding the production of Appam and Aravana, adding that the board's primary concern was addressing the ghee shortage.