Overview
- Travancore Devaswom Board sought explanations from the Assistant Commissioner and the Administrative Officer after receiving the tantri’s letter on a ritual lapse.
- Chief priest Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathirippad alleges the feast was served to Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan before offering it to the deity.
- The tantri prescribed corrective rites including the Ennappanam ritual, an 11-para rice offering to the deity first, public atonement and oaths by organisers and officials.
- Organisers, including the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, deny any breach and claim the letter was based on misinformation from board officials, asserting procedures were followed.
- Reports describe the minister lighting a ceremonial lamp and joining the meal before the offering, a sequence some devotees say deviated from custom, as the board faces scrutiny linked to separate issues at Sabarimala.