The vigilance wing of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has initiated a detailed investigation into significant financial and procedural irregularities concerning the sale of sacred 'adiya sishtam neyy' at the famed Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
Missing Prasad Worth Lakhs
The probe was triggered by the alleged disappearance of approximately 16,000 packets of consecrated ghee, with a total estimated value of Rs 16 lakh. This special ghee, known as 'adiya sishtam neyy', is the remnant from the sacred 'neyyabhishekam' ritual. It is considered highly sacred prasad and is either returned to devotees or sold officially at TDB counters for Rs 100 per 100ml packet.
How The Irregularities Surfaced
Authorities first noticed a major discrepancy when the revenue generated from the sale of these ghee packets at the designated counters was not deposited into the devaswom board's official accounts. A deeper look into the matter revealed a complete lack of proper sales registry or documentation, making it impossible to track the inventory and funds.
Priests from various temples under the TDB's jurisdiction are typically assigned to manage these sales counters. The vigilance team now suspects that similar malpractices and unaccounted sales might have occurred in previous pilgrimage seasons as well, indicating a potentially systemic issue.
Board Promises Strict Action
A senior TDB official confirmed that the board's vigilance unit was alerted immediately after the financial inconsistencies were uncovered. The official stated unequivocally that strict disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of involvement in the misappropriation. The investigation aims to pinpoint the chain of responsibility for the missing prasad and funds, ensuring accountability for the management of temple offerings and devotees' contributions.
