Govt will consider Mala Araya community’s demand: Min
tnn | Feb 1, 2019, 23:57 ISTThiruvananthapuram: Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran told the assembly on Friday that the government would take an appropriate decision on the Mala Araya community’s demand for the return of their right to light the Makaravilakku at Ponnambalamedu in Sabarimala during the annual pilgrimage.
Replying to a calling attention motion by BJP MLA O Rajagopal, asking whether the government will take steps to restore the community’s right in this regard, the minister said the government would examine all the aspects of the issue covering the entire rituals on Makaravilakku festival day, and take a decision on the representation of the community.
“The memorandums submitted by Aikya Mala Araya Mahasabha, Sri Ayyappa Dharma Sangham and Akhila Thiruvithamkoor Mala Araya Mahasabha have pointed out that traditionally the Makaravilakku at Ponnambalamedu was lit by this particular tribe residing on the 18 hills in the area, including Sabarimala. They have also said that the ‘thenabhishekam’ (the holy bath of the idol with honey) in the shrine was done by Mala Araya priests in the past,” Surendran said.
Besides, the high court verdict on April 25, 2011 on petitions filed by Sreeni Pattathanam and K D Sudhakaran has remarked that there were evidences of ancient temple rituals in Ponnambalamedu and involvement of tribal people in prayers, offerings and other rituals on Makara Samkranthi day, the minister told the assembly.
“From all these, it is quite evident that Mala Araya community had a leading role in the rituals at Ponnambalamedu,” the minister said. tnn
Replying to a calling attention motion by BJP MLA O Rajagopal, asking whether the government will take steps to restore the community’s right in this regard, the minister said the government would examine all the aspects of the issue covering the entire rituals on Makaravilakku festival day, and take a decision on the representation of the community.
“The memorandums submitted by Aikya Mala Araya Mahasabha, Sri Ayyappa Dharma Sangham and Akhila Thiruvithamkoor Mala Araya Mahasabha have pointed out that traditionally the Makaravilakku at Ponnambalamedu was lit by this particular tribe residing on the 18 hills in the area, including Sabarimala. They have also said that the ‘thenabhishekam’ (the holy bath of the idol with honey) in the shrine was done by Mala Araya priests in the past,” Surendran said.
Besides, the high court verdict on April 25, 2011 on petitions filed by Sreeni Pattathanam and K D Sudhakaran has remarked that there were evidences of ancient temple rituals in Ponnambalamedu and involvement of tribal people in prayers, offerings and other rituals on Makara Samkranthi day, the minister told the assembly.
“From all these, it is quite evident that Mala Araya community had a leading role in the rituals at Ponnambalamedu,” the minister said. tnn
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
City
Prayagraj: Commotion prevailed after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech at VHP's 'Dharm Sansad'01:08- Delhi: Class VIII dropout arrested for allegedly raping several minors01:33
- At click of mouse, now apply for weapon licence in Delhi01:28
- Salary ‘scam’: Rs 1.3 crore paid to fictitious doctors at Delhi hospital01:21
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE