Why Did the Global Ayyappa Gathering Attract More Criticism?

Sabarimala, Sep 20 (NationPress) The global gathering of Ayyappa followers, organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, aimed at reinforcing Sabarimala's distinct practice of secular spirituality and inclusive worship, seems to have attracted more criticism than praise.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attended the event on the banks of the renowned Pampa river, accompanied by Velappally Natesan, the leader of the influential Ezhava community group Sree Narayana Paripalana Sangom.

Several leaders from Hindu organizations and nine cabinet members were also present, but despite a stage designed for approximately 3,500 attendees, many seats remained unfilled.

Facing backlash from both the Congress and BJP state leadership regarding this event—which they labeled a mere tactic to attract voters ahead of local body and Assembly elections—CM Vijayan defended the gathering, stating it was not an impulsive decision but a result of years of discussions.

"Devotees from nations like Malaysia and Singapore had called for Sabarimala to gain international recognition and expressed concerns regarding travel challenges with the Irumudikettu. Their persistent requests for solutions and meetings ultimately inspired this congregation," remarked CM Vijayan.

Vijayan added, "The Sabarimala Master Plan, initiated in 2011, is being expedited, with over Rs 1,000 crore allocated for phased improvements to Sannidhanam, Pampa, trekking routes, and base camps like Nilakkal. The objective is to elevate Sabarimala into a premier spiritual destination by 2050."

However, V.D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, did not hold back, asserting that Vijayan's newfound affection for Sabarimala is merely a pre-election strategy.

"My observation is that this sudden affection for Sabarimala does not align with the Pinarayi Vijayan we all know. He appeared to speak as a false devotee," stated Satheesan.

The State Congress president, Sunny Joseph, expressed concern over the disappearance of four kilograms of gold from the revered temple, urging for transparency on the matter.

Despite invitations extended to several Chief Ministers and top officials, only two ministers from Tamil Nadu attended.

The event encountered some disarray; after his lengthy inaugural address, CM Vijayan departed while State Devasom Minister V.N. Vasavan was still speaking.

When Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, P.K. Sekarbabu, addressed the crowd, another cabinet member, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, was overlooked and subsequently left the event, only to be called back by a Devasom Board official.

While the daylong meeting included several seminars, a notable absence was the Pandalam Royal Family, historically linked with the esteemed temple.

Satheesan humorously remarked on the irony of hosting a meeting in the temple's name, while promotional materials featured no mention of the temple or the Devasom Board, but prominently displayed CM Vijayan's image.