Pathanamthitta: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple embodies secular values and unites spirituality beyond caste and religious boundaries. He was speaking at Pampa after inaugurating the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

In his inaugural address, the CM quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita to describe the qualities of a true devotee, while criticising those who protested against the event. He noted that genuine devotees had welcomed the programme without opposition.

“Sabarimala unites spirituality without caste or religious discrimination. We need to strengthen this temple. Ayyappa devotees are spread across the globe, which is why the Ayyappa Devotees’ Conference has gained worldwide attention. Thousands from across the world are flocking to the hill shrine,” he said.

He added that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) organised the Global Ayyappa Sangamam to seek devotees’ opinions on improving the shrine’s infrastructure.

“Sabarimala Ayyappa temple upholds secular values. Harivarasanam, the lullaby sung to Lord Ayyappa, was written by atheist Devarajan Master and sung by KJ Yesudas, who was born into a Christian family. Sabarimala should be promoted on the pilgrimage map, like Tirupati and Madurai," he added.

Responding to opposition's criticism over the timing of the event, he said it was necessary due to the growing rush of pilgrims. He pointed out that TDB organised the event after comprehensive discussions for many years. 

At the same time, he also dismissed allegations of government misuse of Devaswom Board funds, listing allocations made to various boards across the state.

He detailed the infrastructure projects included in the Sabarimala Master Plan, such as the construction of roads, bridges, water facilities, a fire station, and expanded accommodation for pilgrims.

The Kerala government has allotted a total of ₹1033.62 crore for the development of Sannidhanam, Pamba, and the trek route to the hill-shrine, all of which are expected to be completed by 2039. Besides that, over ₹300 crore will be spent between 2025-2030 to improve the basic facilities for the devotees.

“We want to develop Sabarimala after considering the opinions of all devotees. This is a platform that allows pilgrims to raise their complaints as well as demands to improve the facilities. But this good intention was criticised. Those who oppose the conference have evil intentions,” the CM said.

He also noted that the Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking a ban on the event while criticising the protests.

Addressing the event, Devaswom minister VN Vasavan said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended support to the programme. He also read out a letter sent by Yogi to the Kerala government. 

When the event was first announced in August last week, both the BJP and Congress criticised the move, questioning its timing ahead of the local body polls. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar even declared that his party would not allow the CM, “an atheist,” to attend the programme. Now, amid the controversy over missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols, opposition leader VD Satheesan accused the government of stealing the gold from the temple to fund the programme.