In a significant move prioritising devotee safety, Kerala’s two major temple administrative bodies, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB), have banned the use of Arali flowers in temple rituals. Arali, also known as Oleander, is a vibrantly coloured flower commonly found in the region. However, recent concerns regarding its toxic properties have prompted this decisive action.
Arali Flowers Excluded From Offerings
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The decision comes after a tragic incident in Alappuzha, where a woman reportedly died after consuming Arali flowers and leaves. This incident, coupled with existing scientific studies highlighting the flower’s toxic content, spurred the temple boards to take preventative measures.
P.S. Prasanth, president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages over 1,200 temples, announced the new regulations in a statement to PTI. While Arali can still be used for decorative purposes in pujas, it will be excluded from offerings like prasadam (blessed food) distributed to devotees.
Instead, the TDB recommends using safer alternatives like Tulsi (holy basil), Thechi (Ixora), and roses. The Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB), which oversees over 1,400 temples, echoed these concerns. M.R. Murali, the MDB president, emphasised in a statement to PTI that even though Arali isn’t widely used in rituals, its potential harm necessitates a ban to ensure devotee well-being.
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Adapting Traditions For Devotee Well-being
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Though traditionally used in some temple decorations, Arali’s exclusion from these practices is also being considered. The primary focus, however, lies in preventing any possibility of Arali flowers reaching devotees through offerings meant for consumption.
This decision is likely to be met with mixed reactions. Arali’s vibrant colour and cultural significance in Kerala might lead some devotees to view its absence as a loss. However, the temple boards’ commitment to prioritising safety seems to outweigh such concerns.
The ban also highlights the evolving nature of temple traditions. As scientific understanding progresses, practises may need to adapt to ensure the well-being of devotees. Alternative flowers with symbolic meaning can surely be incorporated while safeguarding public health.
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The Kerala temple boards’ proactive approach sets a commendable precedent. It prioritises devotee safety while paving the way for a responsible evolution of temple traditions.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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