Kerala CM Inaugurates Global Ayyappa Summit Amid Calls for Sabarimala Development and Political Debates

Pathanamthitta, Kerala – September 21, 2025 – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday inaugurated the Global Ayyappa Summit at Pamba, emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure at the Sabarimala temple to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims from across the world. The event, organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in collaboration with the state government, marks a significant step in positioning Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage center, even as it faces political controversies and legal challenges.

The summit, held on September 20, 2025, at the Pamba riverbank, drew around 3,500 registered delegates, including devotees, representatives from Ayyappa organizations worldwide, and dignitaries. It was formally opened by Sabarimala Tantri Mahesh Mohanaru, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Notably, CM Vijayan arrived at the venue alongside SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan in the same vehicle, symbolizing unity among key figures.

In his keynote address, Vijayan addressed skeptics questioning the timing of the summit, which had not been held before. "Why this gathering now, after all these years? The answer lies in adapting to changing times and the increasing flow of pilgrims, which demands elevated thinking," he said. He highlighted the temple's unique history, rooted in the legend of Shabari—a tribal ascetic from ancient epics—whose name the hill derives from. "Sabarimala transcends divisions of caste, creed, and religion, celebrating a secular spirituality accessible to all," Vijayan added, invoking the Upanishadic principle of 'Tat Tvam Asi' (Thou Art That) inscribed at the temple, which promotes oneness among humanity.

The CM underscored the temple's inclusive ethos, citing examples such as the veneration of Vavar (a Muslim saint) en route to the shrine and visits by Ayyappa devotees to the Christian Arthunkal Church. He also noted cultural contributions like the lullaby 'Harivarasanam,' composed by atheist Kambam Devarajan and sung by Christian-born K.J. Yesudas, as emblematic of interfaith harmony.

A key focus of the summit is the Sabarimala Master Plan, a comprehensive development blueprint aimed at modernizing facilities while preserving the site's environmental and cultural integrity. Vijayan detailed government investments, revealing that from 2011-12 to date, approximately ₹148.5 crore has been spent on various projects. Overall, between 2016-17 and 2025, the state has allocated over ₹650 crore for the modernization of devaswom institutions, including ₹145 crore for the TDB.

The master plan, projected to cost around ₹1,300 crore, includes phased developments: ₹778.17 crore for the Sannidhanam (sanctum area) across three stages from 2022-2039; ₹207.48 crore for Pamba; and ₹47.97 crore for the trekking route. Initiatives encompass new transit camps at Pamba, improved water supply from Kunnar, enhanced roads and bridges at Nilakkal, fire safety systems, and a pilgrim facilitation center. Additional projects under the plan for 2025-2030 total ₹314.96 crore, focusing on safety bridges, sanitation, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Vijayan rebuffed criticisms that the government misappropriates devaswom funds, asserting that no state money is diverted from the boards. Instead, he pointed out substantial aid, such as ₹140 crore provided to the TDB during the COVID-19 crisis in 2019 and ₹123 crore for maintenance. "Temples were once neglected until devaswom boards were formed at the behest of the faithful themselves," he said, urging devotees to question those advocating for government withdrawal, which could revert institutions to past dilapidation.

The summit also features exhibitions on the TDB's 75-year history and Kerala’s cultural arts, aimed at promoting the state's heritage globally. Discussions cover pilgrim tourism, crowd management during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, and attracting international devotees through better connectivity, including virtual portals and multilingual support.

However, the event has not been without controversy. Opposition parties have accused the government of using the summit as a political tool to regain support lost over the 2018 Supreme Court verdict on women's entry to the temple. Some groups, including Sangh Parivar organizations, boycotted the gathering, labeling it a "political agenda" and organizing a parallel 'Vishwasa Sangamam' in Delhi, with retired Justice Indu Malhotra—a dissenter in the 2018 verdict—as chief guest.

Legal hurdles emerged when individuals and organizations approached the Kerala High Court and Supreme Court to block the use of devaswom funds, estimated at ₹7 crore for the summit. While the High Court granted permission with directives for transparency and minimal disruption to pilgrims, it stayed an order allowing Malabar Devaswom Board employees to attend using board funds, citing the board's financial constraints.

Promotional materials sparked further debate, with critics pointing to the inclusion of images of the CM and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan while omitting Lord Ayyappa's depiction. Vijayan dismissed such claims, attributing opposition to vested interests rather than genuine devotion. He referenced the Bhagavad Gita's description of true devotees as those free from hatred, compassionate, and equanimous.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended wishes via a letter in response to an invitation from Minister Vasavan. "I appreciate the invitation to the Global Ayyappa Summit. Promoting ancient Indian wisdom and traditions is essential, and I hope this conference achieves its objectives," he wrote.

TDB President and Devaswom Minister Vasavan presided over the sessions, which began at 9:30 AM and included panel discussions until evening. Strict security measures were in place, with a three-tier main stage accommodating 3,500 attendees, six large LED screens, and a 2,400 sq ft elevated platform. Entry was restricted to pass holders, ensuring compliance with High Court guidelines to avoid inconveniencing pilgrims.

As the summit concludes, it underscores Kerala's ambition to elevate Sabarimala on the global pilgrimage map, akin to Tirupati or Madurai, while navigating the delicate balance between development, tradition, and politics. With delegates from countries like Malaysia and Singapore sharing insights, the event aims to foster collaborative strategies for sustainable growth, ensuring the shrine remains a beacon of unity and spirituality for generations to come.