Press Release

Vending Machines, Postal Delivery: Aravana Distribution at Sabarimala to Get Digital Upgrade

Pathanamthitta: In a major move to streamline prasadam distribution and reduce long queues at Sannidhanam during the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is introducing automated vending machines and exploring postal home-delivery facilities.
Key Developments:

QR Code-Based Vending Machines: Six self-vending machines will be installed near the existing Aravana distribution counters at Sannidhanam in collaboration with South Indian Bank. Devotees can scan a QR code, complete the digital payment, and receive their Aravana tins instantly without waiting in long queues.

Doorstep Delivery via Postal Service: TDB President K. Jayakumar stated that preliminary discussions have begun with the Department of Posts to deliver Aravana directly to devotees' homes. This facility aims to assist pilgrims during peak rush periods or whenever managing crowd congestion at distribution counters becomes challenging.

Digital Transformation Drive: Managed under a Project Management Unit (PMU), these steps form part of a broader digital upgrade to modernize crowd tracking, payment systems, and temple administration at Sabarimala.