Restrictions on early flowering: In most of the temples in Kerala, the two presidents of the Devaswom Board have decided to stop the use of oleander in the temples. In temples these flowers are used as offerings to God. Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and Malabar Devaswom Board have decided to ban the use of these flowers due to their poisonous nature. The board said that these flowers can harm humans and animals.
Chadshe Tulsi Manjari
TDB Chairman PS Prashant has announced this decision in the board meeting. He said that TDB has decided to completely abstain from the use of oleander in Naivedha (objects offered to God) and Prasad. However, other flowers such as basil (nee manjari), thechi (ixora), jasmine and rose will be used.
On the other hand, Malabar Devaswom Board Chairman MR Murali said the use of oleander has been completely banned in over 1,400 temples under the jurisdiction.
Oleander flowers are poisonous,
Murali said, 'Hence, oleander flowers are not used much in temples. But keeping in mind the safety of the devotees, its use has been banned. Research has found that this flower contains poisonous substance.
According to sources, this death occurred due to eating Karena leaves.
This decision has been taken after several incidents came to light in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. A woman died after eating oleander in Alappuzha. At the same time, 2 days ago, there was news of death of a cow and a calf due to eating oleander leaves in Pathanamthitta.