CPI(M) to organize Global Ayyappa Meet on Sept 20 with delegates from 10+ nations
The CPI(M), often criticized for its opposition to Sanatana Dharma and Hindu traditions, has surprised many by announcing that the Kerala government will hold a Global Ayyappa Meet (GAM) at Sabarimala on September 20. This is the first time that a ruling government has attempted to project Lord Ayyappa and the Sabarimala shrine on a global stage.
Kerala has hosted Global Investors’ Meets (GIMs) in the past, but this Global Ayyappa Meet marks a new experiment[1]. Interestingly, it was the CPI(M)-led government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that played a central role in implementing the Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple, overturning centuries-old tradition.
Traditionally, women between the ages of 12 and 50 are not allowed entry into the Sabarimala shrine, as Lord Ayyappa is revered as a Naishtika Brahmachari (eternal celibate). However, there is no such restriction in other Ayyappa temples across Kerala. Critics argue that instead of respecting tradition, the Vijayan government in 2018 forcibly escorted women into the shrine with police assistance, sparking widespread protests. Many devotees, including women, opposed this move. Hundreds were arrested, including BJP state president K Surendran, and several cases remain pending in courts.
Media reports, including Janmabhumi, suggested that Vijayan saw the entry of women as a potential opportunity to commercialize the temple by opening it up and developing shopping complexes nearby. Hindu spiritual leaders like Swami Chidananda Puri and Mata Amritanandamayi had urged caution, but their pleas were ignored.
The GAM is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants, according to temple affairs minister K Radhakrishnan (Vasavan). Delegates from Singapore, Malaysia, West Asia, and European countries such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Russia are expected to attend. Chief Minister Vijayan is likely to inaugurate the event, which will also highlight the shrine’s “business potential.”
A government note reportedly suggests categorizing donors into different membership tiers. Platinum donors contributing Rs.3 crore will receive five days of free accommodation annually and unrestricted darshan privileges. Gold and silver memberships will also be offered at lower rates.
Political observers claim that the sudden move stems from astrological advice given to Vijayan by his personal astrologer, who reportedly told him that his recent health issues and political troubles were the result of past misdeeds. Remedies prescribed included building a modern goshala, performing Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, offering annadanam, and reciting the Vishnu Sahasranamam. Vijayan has already built a modern goshala at his official residence, Cliff House, for Rs.45 lakh.
The Chief Minister, who now looks visibly weak and has scaled back public engagements, has also taken to traveling only in black cars as advised by his astrologer, since he cannot wear black clothes due to political constraints.
Though Vijayan invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to be the chief guest at the GAM, Stalin declined, citing prior commitments. Opposition leader V D Satheesan dismissed the event as an attempt by the CPI(M) to appease the Hindu majority ahead of Assembly elections next year[2]. The BJP and Nair Service Society (NSS) have also raised objections, calling the event a politicization of a sacred pilgrimage center.
Instead of their traditional slogan, Inqilab Zindabad, CPI(M) cadres are now chanting “Swami Saranam, Ayyappa Saranam” in the hope of winning divine blessings and securing a third consecutive term in power.
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa…
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
Reference:
[1] Devaswom Board plans to host Ayyappa Sangamam, a mega gathering of devotees – Nov 17, 2024, Mathrubhumi
[2] Global Ayyappa Sangamam aimed at majority communalism appeasement by CPI(M): Kerala LoP Satheesan – Aug 26, 2025, The Indian Express
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