Kerala Feast Controversy Erupts as Minister Served Before Deity

A controversy has arisen over the traditional feast known as the Aranmula Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya, following allegations that the meal was served to Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan and other dignitaries before being offered to the deity at the Parthasarathi Temple. The incident, which took place on October 14, 2023, has sparked discussions about a potential breach of ritual customs.

The temple’s chief priest, Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathirippad, reported the breach to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), calling for corrective rituals. In a letter addressed to the board, he indicated that the organisers, including members of the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, must appear before the deity and partake in public atonement for the lapse. Although the letter did not specify the exact nature of the breach, it emphasized the need for an 11-para rice feast to be prepared, ensuring offerings were made in the temple kitchen prior to being served to devotees.

Bhattathirippad also suggested that the officials involved take an oath to prevent future violations of temple customs. Responding to the controversy, Minister Vasavan stated that it was the tantri himself who served the meal that day, suggesting that the tantri’s actions should be the sole focus of inquiry. P S Prasanth, the TDB President, noted that he was not previously aware of the issue.

Despite the allegations, the Palliyoda Seva Sangham maintains that all customary procedures were followed during this year’s feast. The Vallasadya, celebrated annually in honor of the birthday of Aranmula Parthasarathi, is traditionally meant to be served only after offerings to the deity and following the noon puja.

K V Sambadevan, president of the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, defended the event, asserting that it was conducted in the same manner as previous years. He shared that Minister Vasavan arrived at the temple at 10:00 AM, participated in lighting the ceremonial lamp, and visited various shops where the Palliyodas prepared for the feast. He later joined the meal at the North Mandapam, during which Agriculture Minister P Prasad served food to him.

Some groups within the Palliyoda community and social media users have claimed that the meal was served before the offerings to the deity were made, framing the incident as a serious breach of tradition. The presence of CPI(M) leaders and former MLAs, including A Padmakumar and Raju Abraham, has further fueled discussions surrounding the event.

The Aranmula Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya is renowned for its scale and devotion, drawing thousands of devotees and local boatmen who participate in the communal meal, which features a variety of traditional dishes served in a spirit of equality and reverence. As the controversy unfolds, the focus remains on the adherence to rituals and the implications of this incident on future celebrations.