Viji Thampi, VHP Kerala president and a popular filmmaker, stated that the CPM and Congress treat the Sabarimala temple as a “cash cow” for the income it generates, diverting funds to fill their party coffers. He was speaking at a conference in Chenganur on 9 November, organised by the Save Sabarimala Action Committee.
He said it had been proven three times during Devaprashnam (an astrological probe to determine divine will) that there is no historical figure named Vavar in Ayyappa’s history. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Ayyappa was born from the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the female incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. There is no reference to a Muslim figure named Vavar in this context.
The VHP and the Save Sabarimala Action Committee demanded that rituals at the Vavar mosque be stopped immediately. Later, Viji Thampi told the media that there is no evidence of any link between Vavar and Lord Ayyappa. He asserted that paying obeisance at the mosque during the pilgrimage goes against the traditions and customs of Sabarimala.
This demand from Hindu organisations comes just a week before the start of the 41-day-long Mandala Pooja season, which begins on 16 November. During this period, lakhs of pilgrims visit the Sabarimala shrine after observing a strict 41-day vrata involving fasting, celibacy, prayers, and abstinence from non-vegetarian food and alcohol. The VHP alleged that mainstream political parties are attempting to create divisions among followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Kummanam Rajasekharan, senior BJP leader, former Governor of Mizoram, and representative of the Pandalam Royal Family—considered the ancestral house of Lord Ayyappa—also participated in the conference.
Viji Thampi urged pilgrims not to make financial offerings at the temple, claiming that the income generated is diverted for non-religious purposes. He accused the Travancore Devaswom Board, which administers the temple, of charging exorbitant rates for prasadam that has not been blessed by Lord Ayyappa, thereby deceiving pilgrims.
Thampi reminded devotees that this was the opportune time for them to issue a united statement, transcending caste, community, religion, and nationality, condemning the concept of Vavar and the mismanagement of the Sabarimala temple.
There have been allegations that Vavar was “inducted” into Sabarimala traditions due to vested interests. Some view it as a method to exploit Ayyappa devotees financially, while others see it as a strategy to create future controversies in Sabarimala, similar to issues surrounding Kashi and Mathura (and formerly Ayodhya).
Innocent Hindus have been misled by the long-standing tale that Vavar was a Muslim friend of Lord Ayyappa.
