The recent Global Ayyappa Sangamam, hosted in Pampa on Saturday, centered its discussions around elevating Sabarimala to a global pilgrimage destination. However, the true focal point of the event, meticulously organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board in collaboration with the State government, was the varied attendance and notable absences from key community organizations.
As anticipated, prominent leadership from the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam were present. This participation contrasted sharply with the stance of the Pandalam Palace, an entity deeply intertwined with the historical and spiritual legacy of Ayyappa. The palace chose to remain absent, citing family rituals following recent bereavements as an immediate cause, but also reiterating its long-standing dissatisfaction with the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board. Their conditions for attending the conclave included the withdrawal of cases related to the 2018 women’s entry protests and assurances that the revered temple traditions would be preserved.
Further complicating the narrative, and contrary to assertions by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, the Malayaraya Mahasabha also boycotted the event. Their protest highlighted the State government’s perceived ‘inaction’ in reinstating the community’s traditional rights over the Sabarimala temple.
Insights from Political Leaders
Minister V.N. Vasavan, presiding over the Sangamam, shared messages from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Owing to prior commitments, Mr. Stalin had deputed two of his Cabinet colleagues to represent Tamil Nadu, while conveying his appreciation for the invitation. Chief Minister Adityanath’s message revered Ayyappa as ‘the divine protector of dharma,’ underscoring the Sangamam’s role in promoting harmony, inclusivity, and India’s rich spiritual heritage.
The conclave drew a diverse array of political, social, and cultural luminaries. Among the attendees were Ministers P. Prasad, Roshy Augustine, K. Krishnankutty, A.K. Saseendran, Veena George, and Saji Cherian, alongside Chief Whip N. Jayaraj. Other notable personalities included former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, NSS vice president M. Sangeeth Kumar, Kerala Pulayar Mahasabha general secretary Punnala Sreekumar, Kerala Brahmana Sabha representative Karimpuzha Raman, business magnate Gokulam Gopalan, and acclaimed musicians Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri and K. Omanakutty. Significantly, Kandararu Mohanaru, the former Tantri of the Ayyappa temple, who had previously faced restrictions from the Sannidhanam due to earlier controversies, was also among the invited guests on stage.
However, the event was not entirely without its minor diplomatic hitches. Reports indicated that Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan expressed considerable displeasure over a delay in his opportunity to address the gathering, causing a momentary embarrassment for the organizers.