The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Malabar Devaswom Board (MDB) announced on Thursday their discontinuation of the use of Arali flowers (oleander) in most sacred rituals conducted at temples under its administration. This decision was prompted by concerns regarding the toxic nature of these flowers, which could pose harm to humans and animals.
P.S. Prasanth, the president of the TDB, announced this decision following a board meeting held here on Thursday. “It has been decided to completely avoid using Arali flowers in the Nivedyam and Prasadam offerings in temples under the TDB. However, the flower variety will continue to be used for performing pujas. Devotees will be permitted to offer Tulsi, Thechi (ixora), rose, etc., to the temples under the board,” he said.
The MDB will issue an official order on Friday based on a directive from its president M.R. Murali. There are around 1,500 temples under the MDB.
