Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Champions Sabarimala's Secular Soul Against Communal Divide

In a powerful statement defending Kerala’s rich legacy of religious harmony, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has unequivocally countered attempts by the Sangh Parivar to transform the revered Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple into a symbol of revanchist Hindu orthodoxy. Vijayan asserted that such efforts are a deliberate political maneuver aimed at shattering the secular fabric of the state, stressing that Sabarimala has always stood as a beacon of inclusivity, welcoming devotees irrespective of their faith.

Addressing the pressing issue, the Chief Minister highlighted Sabarimala’s centuries-old tradition as a secular pilgrimage center, a fact deeply embedded in its history and rituals.

He pointed out the unique and enduring bond between Lord Ayyappan and Vavar Swami, a Muslim warrior revered as Ayyappan's close companion. This historical friendship is not merely a tale but a living tradition, with pilgrims to Sabarimala customarily visiting the Vavar mosque at Erumely before ascending the holy hills.

This practice underscores the temple’s foundational ethos of interfaith coexistence and mutual respect.

Vijayan articulated his concern that the Sangh Parivar's narrative seeks to erase this foundational inclusivity, replacing it with an exclusive, communal identity. He warned against the dangers of such a distorted portrayal, which he believes is designed to incite communal passions and exploit religious sentiments for narrow political gains.

The Chief Minister firmly stated that his government is resolute in its commitment to preserving and upholding Sabarimala’s age-old secular traditions, which are a source of immense pride for Kerala.

He referenced past incidents, including the controversies surrounding the Supreme Court's verdict on women's entry, as instances where external forces attempted to communalize the temple.

During those tumultuous times, the government’s efforts to maintain law and order and uphold constitutional principles were often misconstrued and met with organized resistance, which Vijayan now links to a broader agenda of undermining Sabarimala's inclusive character.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Sabarimala is not merely a Hindu temple but a unique institution that embodies a syncretic cultural heritage.

Its doors have historically been open to people from all walks of life, symbolizing a rare confluence of faiths where devotees seek spiritual solace together. This ethos, he reiterated, is precisely what the Sangh Parivar seeks to dismantle, aiming to reduce a universal spiritual destination to a sectarian symbol.

In conclusion, Pinarayi Vijayan’s strong condemnation serves as a powerful reminder of Kerala's unwavering dedication to secularism and religious harmony.

He called upon all citizens to recognize and resist attempts to inject communal poison into revered institutions like Sabarimala, ensuring that its legacy of unity and inclusivity continues to inspire generations to come.