Thiruvananthapuram: Devaswom minister K Muraleedharan has ordered an inquiry into the controversy over the arrangements for the traditional Thiruvonam feast at Sabarimala.The minister directed Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to examine whether there was any lapse in coordination following changes made to the existing arrangements. He also instructed the board to initiate stringent action if any negligence is found.Muraleedharan directed TDB to establish clear and standardised procedures for annadanam and other food-related arrangements at the hill shrine to prevent such controversies from recurring.The directive follows allegations that devotees were denied the traditional Thiruvonam feast and that the feast was restricted to special-duty employees and police personnel deployed at the shrine.However, TDB president K S Jayakumar has denied the allegations, describing reports that the feast was not served to devotees as false. He said there was no situation in which the traditional feast was cancelled or denied to devotees.Jayakumar also urged the public not to circulate what he termed fake or misleading reports regarding the arrangements at the shrine.The Thiruvonam feast has been a longstanding tradition at Sabarimala, and the controversy has triggered questions over the arrangements made for devotees during the observance.The minister’s decision to order an inquiry is aimed at establishing the facts and identifying any lapses in the arrangements. TDB has been asked to ensure that proper coordination and standard operating procedures are followed for annadanam and other essential services during major religious observances at Sabarimala. .
