Pathanamthitta,02 August (H.S): The traditional Vallasadya offerings at the historic Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta have been postponed following heavy rain, flooding and rising water levels in the river, which have made conditions unsafe for the ceremonial snake boats.

Temple authorities restricted proceedings to rituals on Saturday as the adverse weather continued to affect the region. The Palliyoda Seva Sangham had earlier directed that the palliyodams, or ceremonial snake boats, should not be launched into the river due to the strong current and the increased risk to participants.

A total of 11 Vallasadya offerings had been scheduled at the temple on Saturday. However, in view of the weather conditions, only the customary rituals associated with the offerings were performed and the remaining events were called off.

Ten more Vallasadya offerings were scheduled for Sunday. These too have been postponed as the rain and flooding showed no signs of easing and travel to the temple remained difficult.

Floodwaters have inundated several roads leading to Aranmula, severely affecting access to the temple. Routes from Chengannur, Kozhencherry and Pandalam have been particularly affected, with waterlogging and flooding disrupting vehicular movement at several points.

Despite the difficult conditions, devotees who had arrived on Saturday for the Vallasadya offerings managed to reach the temple by walking through stretches of waterlogged roads. Authorities have advised people to exercise caution while travelling in the area as water levels remain high.

Officials said all the palliyodams that had arrived to participate in the Vallasadya offerings were safe and had been secured following the warning against entering the river.

The Vallasadya, a major ritual offering associated with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, traditionally involves elaborate feasts offered to the crews of the palliyodams. The postponed offerings are expected to be rescheduled once weather and river conditions improve and safe access to the temple is restored.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman