Thiruvananthapuram: Following the finding of the presence of deadly poison in holy prasad distributed in Sabarimala shrine, Aravana worth Rs 6.5 crore has become wasted in Sabarimala. The distribution was immediately stopped with the intervention of the high court.
Results showed the presence of 95 types of pesticides in the cardamom used in aravana. Six and a half lakh tins of aravana were in stock for supply. A division bench consisting of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajit Kumar instructed the immediate implementation of the directive.
According to reports, seven tonnes of cardamom were bought this time for Rs 10.9 lakh without open tender. The production of aravana without cardamom started last night. It will be ready for distribution in eight hours.
With just two days left for Makaravilakku, there is a huge rush at Sabarimala. The shortage in Aravana is expected to affect millions of pilgrims reaching in the abode of Lord Ayyappa.