At the inaugural Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Pampa, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple embodies secular values and unites spirituality beyond caste and religious boundaries.
During his address, he quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita to describe the qualities of a true devotee, while also criticising those who protested against the event. He noted that genuine devotees had welcomed the conference without opposition, highlighting the widespread support for the gathering.
"Sabarimala unites spirituality without the discrimination of caste or religious identity. We need to strengthen this temple," he said. The CM added that the global reach of Ayyappa devotees is why the conference has gained international attention. "Thousands from across the world are flocking to the hill shrine," he said.
The Chief Minister explained that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) organised the conference to gather devotees’ opinions on improving the shrine's infrastructure. He emphasised the temple’s secular nature, citing that Harivarasanam, the lullaby sung to Lord Ayyappa, was written by the atheist Devarajan Master and sung by KJ Yesudas, a Christian. He also stated that Sabarimala should be promoted on the pilgrimage map, similar to Tirupati and Madurai.
Addressing criticism regarding the timing of the event, he said it was necessary due to the increasing number of pilgrims. He also dismissed allegations of the government misusing Devaswom Board funds, detailing allocations made to various boards across the state.
CM Vijayan on Saturday announced at the Global Ayyappa Sangam that projects worth over ₹1,000 crore would be executed for the development of Sabarimala to make pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa shrine safe and convenient for the devotees.
Vijayan said that a total of ₹1,033.62 crore will be spent on the different phases of development of Sannidhanam, Pamba, and the trek route to the hill-shrine, all of which are expected to be completed by 2039.
Besides that, over ₹300 crore will be spent between 2025-2030 to improve the basic facilities for the devotees, he said after inaugurating the conclave which has faced stiff opposition from the Congress and the BJP in the state.
The CM stated that the intention behind the conference was to create a platform for pilgrims to raise their complaints and demands, and that those opposing it "have evil intentions." He also emphasised that the Supreme Court had rejected a petition seeking to ban the event.
Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan mentioned that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had extended his support for the programme. According to TDB president PS Prasanth, delegates from 15 countries and various Indian states, including a large contingent from Tamil Nadu, are attending the summit, which is part of the board’s 75th anniversary.
The opposition, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, has criticised the event’s timing ahead of the local body polls. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that his party would not allow the CM, whom he called an "atheist," to attend the programme. Opposition leader VD Satheesan accused the government of stealing gold from a temple to fund the event, amidst a controversy over missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols.
Also read: Kera probe: IPI writes to CM Vijayan, seeks freedom of press
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