Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a decisive order banning the parallel sale of ghee at Sabarimala, putting an end to the long-standing practice of Melsanthimis and Ulkazhakas selling ghee from their rooms. The court has directed that all ghee stored in their possession must be immediately handed over to the Devaswom Board.
The order further prohibits devotees from purchasing ghee for abhishekam directly from the rooms of the Thantri, Melsanthimi, Sahasanthi or Ulkazhakam. According to the court, only the ghee supplied and distributed through the Devaswom Board is permitted for ritual use. The Bench also made it clear that all packaged ghee must be officially transferred to the Board without exception.
The court’s intervention came after the Special Commissioner informed that packets of ghee priced at ₹100 were being sold from the rooms of Melsanthimis and distributed to devotees, a practice the Devaswom Commissioner deemed illegal and unauthorised.
At present, the Devaswom Board manages the sale of ghee at Sannidhanam. However, parallel sales by temple officials led to confusion and violation of protocol. With the new ruling, a single authorised system for ghee sale and distribution will remain in force.
The High Court also issued strong instructions regarding ghee abhishekam:
- Abhishekam must be performed only through valid tickets.
- Devotees must purchase tickets corresponding to the ghee quantity (coconut-ghee).
- No parallel provisions or personal purchases from priests or associated officials will be allowed.
The court highlighted that a unified regulated system is essential to avoid malpractice and safeguard devotees’ interests.
