The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has clarified before the Kerala High Court that Pampa was selected as the venue for the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam because it serves as the gateway to Sabarimala. The submission came in response to the court’s query on why Pampa was chosen for the international event.
TDB’s counsel, Adv. G Biju, stated that the programme is being organised by the Board with the active support of all government departments, similar to how the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage is conducted. He noted that the TDB alone cannot manage such large-scale events without state support.
Highlighting the financial realities of temple management, the counsel pointed out that out of the 1,250 temples under TDB, only 60 are self-sufficient, while the remaining rely on funds generated from Sabarimala.
Court Directions
The Kerala High Court directed the TDB and the state government to submit a counter-affidavit explaining the fund-raising methods, the objectives of the event, and the scale at which it is being organised.
Objective of the Sangamam
The TDB informed the court that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam is designed to spread the principle of Thatwamasi worldwide and to elevate Sabarimala into a global pilgrimage hub. According to the Board, the event will highlight the spiritual, cultural, and universal significance of Lord Ayyappa’s temple.