Kerala High Court Deliberates Use of Halal Jaggery in Sabarimala Temple Offerings

A legal dispute over the use of halal-certified jaggery in Sabarimala temple offerings has reignited religious sensitivities in Kerala. The controversy stems from allegations that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, procured halal-certified jaggery for making Aravana and Unniyappam, offerings to the deity, thereby violating traditional Hindu customs.

The petitioner, S J R Kumar, moved the Kerala High Court in 2021, claiming that the use of halal-certified jaggery in temple offerings was not only illegal but also violated the temple's age-old rituals. Kumar argued that halal certification pertains to Islamic purification methods, making the jaggery unsuitable for Hindu religious purposes. He also raised concerns about the health risks posed by spoiled jaggery supplied for temple offerings.

The TDB has countered these claims, stating that the halal certification was required solely for exporting jaggery to the Middle East and does not interfere with Hindu customs. They further clarified that the jaggery in question was tested, and only a small batch was found to be infested with insects, which was auctioned off, not used for prasadam preparation.

As the Kerala High Court continues to hear the case, questions surrounding religious customs, food safety, and the role of temple authorities remain central to the debate. The case highlights broader concerns about the intersection of religion and commercial practices in temple management, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for religious institutions across India.