Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Oct 15 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding ritual violations at Kerala's Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple has taken a dramatic turn. The Travancore Devaswom Board is now demanding clarifications from its own officials as the Communist Party of India-Marxist government faces mounting political pressure.

The issue originated from the Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya ceremony on September 14, during which Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan reportedly partook in the feast before the ritual offerings were made to the deity, violating established temple customs.

Tantri Thekkedath Kuzhikkattil Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathiri confirmed this in a letter, asserting that a violation had occurred and instructed that those accountable should undertake public penance.

Communications were sent to the Board, the Devaswom Commissioner, the Administrative Officer, the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, and the Temple Advisory Committee.

In response, the Palliyoda Seva Sangham disputed the allegations, claiming the Tantri's letter was based on inaccurate information provided by the Board.

They argued that the Tantri did not witness the ceremony and that the ritual was conducted in accordance with tradition. They further suggested that the Board instigated the controversy to deflect blame.

The Tantri’s admission that the violation was noted by Board officials has placed the CPI-M in a difficult position, especially after previously accusing the media of misreporting.

Following this revelation, the Board President demanded explanations from the Assistant Commissioner and the Administrative Officer.

Traditionally, the ceremonial lamp is lit at the flag mast after the noon pooja and before the feast is presented in the deity’s presence. However, on Ashtami Rohini, the minister lit the lamp outside the temple prior to the offering, triggering protests from some devotees and escalating into a significant controversy.

The CPI-M’s Pathanamthitta district committee labeled the allegations as “false propaganda”, insisting that misleading devotees in the deity’s name is intolerable.

Nonetheless, the Temple Advisory Committee maintained that a clear violation occurred and affirmed its support for the complaint. The Tantri has called for public penance from those responsible. With multiple stakeholders now in disagreement, this situation has become an embarrassment for both the Board and the ruling party.