The Sabarimala Samrakshana Samgamam has pressed for immediate action to facilitate the safe and organized pilgrimage of crores of Ayyappa devotees to the Sabarimala shrine, highlighting the need for basic amenities and a central authority to oversee the pilgrimage’s smooth functioning. Organized by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti, the Samgamam drew support from religious leaders and representatives of various Hindu organizations. Pandalam Palace Executive Trustee P.N. Narayana Varma inaugurated the event, voicing concerns over the challenges facing pilgrims due to inadequate infrastructure and unfulfilled promises.
Key Demands from Sabarimala Samrakshana Samgamam
The Samgamam outlined specific demands to enhance the pilgrimage experience:
- Basic Amenities: Immediate improvements in facilities such as drinking water, resting spaces, and other essentials for devotees.
- Pooja Article Purity: Assurance of purity in pooja items to uphold the spiritual sanctity of the rituals.
- Security by Central Forces: Security of the shrine should be managed by central forces to ensure better control and safety for pilgrims.
- Food and Dining Arrangements: Closure of private restaurants near the Sannidhanam, with the Travancore
- Devaswom Board (TDB) tasked to provide free food at official facilities.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Inclusion of representatives from Pandalam Palace, devotees’ organizations, and Hindu groups in government and TDB discussions to preserve the temple’s customs and traditions.
Central Government Involvement
Given the temple’s location within the Periyar Tiger Reserve under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the union government should facilitate coordination between central and state departments for all developmental activities at Sabarimala.
Demand for Improved Facilities on “War Footing”
In his presidential address, Kummanam Rajasekharan, senior BJP leader and former Governor of Mizoram, criticized the TDB’s claims of readiness, stating that facilities for the large influx of pilgrims remain inadequate. With only a week before the pilgrimage season commences, Rajasekharan emphasized the urgent need for improved basic amenities, particularly drinking water and adequate space for pilgrims to rest. These arrangements, he stressed, must be made on a “war footing” to avert chaos.
Calls to Address Government Neglect
Valsan Thillankerry, State Working President of Hindu Aikyavedi, underscored the need to bring public attention to what he described as government indifference toward Hindu interests, particularly those of Sabarimala. Thillankerry criticized the selective benefits of secularism, noting that the democratic process cannot overlook the concerns of Hindu pilgrims. This issue, he insisted, would be brought into open debate.
A Call for Hindu-Controlled Temples
Viji Thampi, VHP State President and renowned filmmaker, added that Hindu temples should be managed under Hindu control. Thampi also addressed the issue of Vavar, the supposed “Muslim God” associated with Lord Ayyappa’s pilgrimage. According to Thampi, the name Vavar should be corrected to Vapuran, with a temple dedicated to him established in Erumeli.
Conspiracy to Undermine Sanatan Dharma
Sabarimala Karmasamiti General Convener S.J.R. Kumar expressed concerns about a larger conspiracy to destabilize the Sanatana Dharma through controversies surrounding Sabarimala. Kumar suggested that these actions aim to weaken the temple’s historical and cultural significance.
Uncertainty in TDB Virtual Queue Limit
In addition to infrastructure and security, the TDB’s inconsistent approach to the virtual queue limit remains a concern. The fluctuating limit between 70,000 and 80,000 pilgrims has led to confusion, with uncertainty still looming over spot bookings.
