The Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya at Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, held on September 14 this year, has come under a shadow following allegations of a breach of ritual protocol.
In a letter submitted to the Travancore Devaswom Board, Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathirippad, Tantri (chief priest) of the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, has noted that Minister for Devaswoms V.N. Vasavan was served the ritualistic feast before it was offered to the deity in violation of traditional customs. The Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya at the temple was held on September 14.
As corrective action, the Tantri has directed that all members of the Palliyodam Seva Sanghom, the temple advisory committee, the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner and the Devaswom Administrative Officer must present themselves before the deity and perform the “Ennappanam” ritual.
He further specified that a feast prepared with 11 ‘para’ of rice should first be offered to the deity before being served to all participants. The Tantri emphasised in the letter that strict adherence to ritualistic protocols is essential and warned that such lapses must not recur in future ceremonies.
Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) sources confirmed receipt of the letter but declined to comment on the allegations. “We have not yet discussed it,” said a source.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vasavan refused to respond to media queries regarding the incident.
Published – October 14, 2025 06:49 pm IST
