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New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Row erupts over paid 'Vallasadya' at Aranmula temple; PSS accuses TDB of breaching ritual norms
PATHANAMTHITTA: Amid the controversy at Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple over the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) launch of a paid version of the traditional Vallasadya-a ceremonial temple feast -the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS), which denounced the move as a breach of long-standing temple customs, remains steadfast in its opposition. The TDB's Vallasadya, priced at Rs 250 per head, is being offered to devotees who book in advance. Coupons for the feast can also be availed online. As of now, the feast is scheduled exclusively on Sundays. However, the PSS, which traditionally oversees the conduct of the Vallasadya, has strongly objected to the Board's move. "Palliyoda Seva Sangham has no involvement whatsoever in the Vallasadyas proposed by the Devaswom Board. This is a serious breach of ritualistic norms," K V Sambadevan, president of the PSS, told TNIE. He cited a Kerala High Court order which mandates that any decision related to the Vallasadya must be taken jointly by a committee comprising representatives of both the PSS and the TDB. "Selling food coupons in the name of Vallasadya without the participation of Palliyodams is tantamount to commercialising the ritual," he added. In protest, PSS activists had recently marched to the office of the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner singing Vanchipattu, the traditional boat song, demanding that the ritual be conducted only in the presence of snake boats. "If the Board is determined to override ritual norms and hold Vallasadya for money, the Sangham will intensify its agitation," Sambadevan warned. Considering the devotees reaching from faraway places, he also said the normal feast can be booked through the PSS website, clarifying that they are 'paid feasts' and not Vallasadhya.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Deadlock over Aranmula Vallasadya deepens as PSS threatens protests
The ongoing standoff over the conduct of Vallasadya, a ritualistic feast offered at the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, is set to intensify with the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) threatening to launch protests against the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) if the event is held inside the temple premises on Sunday. According to K.V. Sambadevan, president of the PSS, both the organisation and devotees will stage peaceful protests if the Board proceeds with plans to organise the Vallasadya inside the temple compound, especially by collecting money from devotees and without the participation of palliyodams. The Sangham has already submitted a letter to the TDB, terming the move a serious violation of the temple's traditions and rituals. 'Despite registering our strong objection, we have yet to receive any response from the Board beyond a public statement. If the Board insists on conducting the Vallasadya without the presence of palliyodams, we will go ahead with our protest. If this is an attempt to challenge established customs, our response will be even stronger,' said Mr. Sambadevan. Earlier the other day the PSS had staged a sit-in protest in front of the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner's office. Meanwhile, the TDB has reiterated that it will go ahead with the advance booking system for the Vallasadya and remains open to further discussions with all stakeholders. The advance coupon system, they say, was introduced to ensure that devotees do not return disappointed due to limited seating. 'People across Kerala have long expressed a desire to partake in the Vallasadya within the temple premises. To fulfil this, the Board decided to organise a feast — featuring all traditional dishes — at the temple, with prior booking through coupons priced at ₹250,' explained TDB president P.S. Prasanth. He clarified that the entire amount collected from devotees is handed over to the PSS and the Board does not retain even a single rupee from the initiative. Mr. Prasanth also noted that both the Aranmula Temple Advisory Committee and the PSS were informed of the proposal at its inception. 'To now claim ignorance is unfortunate, especially since both parties were part of the initial discussions and a consensus had been reached,' he added.
