Ayyappa Devotees Urge Central Government to Protect Sabarimala

A delegation from the Ayyappa Seva Samithi, based in Karimnagar, has called on Bandi Sanjay, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, to secure Central Cultural and Faith-Sensitive Heritage Protection status for the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala. The group seeks this intervention to prevent what they describe as “local misadministration” of the revered site.

On Sunday, the delegation, led by members K. Parameshwar Guruswamy and P. Satyanarayana Guruswamy, submitted a formal memorandum to Sanjay, highlighting serious allegations of misappropriation of temple assets and procedural violations. They emphasized that these issues have caused profound distress among millions of Ayyappa devotees nationwide.

In the memorandum, the devotees asserted that the Sabarimala temple is more than a place of worship; it serves as a constitutional trust of faith, safeguarded by Article 25 and Article 26 of the Constitution of India. These articles guarantee the right to worship and protect religious institutions from mismanagement. The group has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-monitored audit and a Central Heritage Asset Review to ensure proper oversight of the temple’s operations.

Furthermore, they proposed that all valuable items within the temple be recorded in a digitally logged public inventory, adhering to the standards set by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for religious institutions. This measure aims to promote transparency and accountability in the management of temple assets.

Earlier the same day, Sanjay participated in the launch of the padayatra, a spiritual journey undertaken by Ayyappa devotees from Karimnagar to Sabarimala. This event is part of a larger initiative, coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The route march, known as ‘path sanchalan,’ was held in Karimnagar on Sunday evening, drawing attention to the cultural and religious significance of the journey.

The concerns raised by the Ayyappa Seva Samithi reflect broader issues regarding the governance of religious sites in India. The call for intervention from the central government underscores the importance of protecting religious heritage and ensuring that such sites are managed with integrity and respect. As the situation develops, many devotees are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that honors their faith and the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple.