Hidden Agenda Behind Global Ayyappa Conclave; Pinarayi Government and Devaswom Board Accused of Putting Lord Ayyappa on Sale
Thiruvananthapuram: Serious concerns have surfaced against the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Pinarayi Vijayan government, with critics claiming that the upcoming Global Ayyappa Conclave is being used as a platform to raise massive investments by “putting Lord Ayyappa on sale.”
Documents reveal that; to attract expatriate investors, the Travancore Devaswom Board has also prepared special “packages” offering exclusive privileges at Sabarimala for donors. This has debunked the official claim that the conclave is being organized solely by the Devaswom Board without any government involvement.
According to reports, the investment-based packages were designed soon after discussions on the conclave began. The schemes, categorized into Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, offer different benefits depending on the contribution.
Diamond Category: For contributions above ₹3 crore, donors are promised five days of free accommodation during the Mandala season, and one day each during Makaravilakku, Vishu puja, annual festival, and monthly rituals. They will also receive prasadam kits (including appam and aravana), diaries, and parking facilities at Pampa.
Platinum Category: For investments between ₹1 crore and ₹3 crore, donors are entitled to five days of free stay during the Mandala season.
The benefits gradually reduce for Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, with the minimum packages targeting smaller contributions in lakhs.
Sources confirm that these packages were finalized six months ago, even before the official announcement of the Global Ayyappa Conclave. Interestingly, officials had also appointed a Sponsorship Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator—positions assigned to the Devaswom Board’s Publications Officer and Photographer—under the pretext of preventing “unauthorized fundraising” in Sabarimala’s name.
Further evidence suggests that the conclave primarily targets expatriate investors. Letters issued by the Loka Kerala Sabha invited its members—prominent businessmen—to attend or send nominees to the conclave. This has fueled accusations that faith and devotion are being sidelined, with Sabarimala’s sanctity being commercialized for financial gains.
The government has decided to hold a global Ayyappa Sangam in Sabarimala between September 16 and 21.