Strengthening Kerala’s secular legacy  – The Hindu

As one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, Sabarimala has long symbolised devotion, discipline and fraternity. The Global Ayyappa Sangamam — an initiative by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) as part of its platinum jubilee celebrations — on September 20, is a step towards recognising this universal appeal, and strengthening Kerala’s secular legacy.

Sabarimala is more than just a temple. It is a symbol of Kerala’s social and cultural synthesis. Pilgrims from across caste-based and religious boundaries, climb the sacred hill after weeks of penance and self-discipline, reaffirming equality and collective spiritual pursuit. The presence of Vavar Nada, dedicated to a Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa, is a reminder of interfaith harmony. The pilgrim routes also connect with Arthunkal Church, a Christian pilgrim centre of historical significance.

Equally symbolic is the rendering of the devotional song ‘Harivarasanam’, played as a lullaby to Ayyappa and his devotees at the temple every day. The song was composed by the late G. Devarajan, also a committed atheist and communist, and immortalised in the voice of K.J. Yesudas, an iconic singer and a Christian by birth. Together, these elements highlight Sabarimala’s secular, harmonious, and inclusive legacy — a space where devotion is never reduced to communal identity.

The TDB is celebrating and reaffirming this long-standing secular tradition. It signals a recognition that Sabarimala belongs to the world, which is reflected in the words that greet one at the shrine, ‘thatwam asi (thou art that’), indicating that the same spirit sprouts in everyone, or no one is alien. Yet, Opposition parties have opposed this progressive step. Adding to this, the Sabarimala Karma Samithi, dominated by communal forces, has announced its plan to hold a so-called ‘Viswasa Sangamam’ (Faith Congregation) at Pandalam on September 22. It is a calculated attempt to inject a communal narrative into what has historically been a unifying space.

It is crucial to recognise the distinction between believers and communal forces. The first draws from faith a sense of discipline, moral strength, and fraternity. The second manipulates religious sentiments for narrow political gain. Kerala’s history has shown that believers have often stood on the side of reform and progress. The struggles led by Sree Narayana Guru, Ayyankali, and other reformers emerged from within society and religious traditions, and yet they pointed towards liberation, equality, and social transformation. It is in this reformist tradition that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam must be located.

The secular character of Sabarimala is the outcome of centuries of reform, negotiation, and the struggles of ordinary devotees. Reforms at Sabarimala and other temples came from within society itself. The Left has always held that such internal reform movements are essential to weaken caste hierarchies and communal divisions. This is also why the attempts to communalise the Sangamam must be resisted. The BJP and its affiliates have long sought to weaponise Sabarimala for political gain, portraying progressive reform as an attack on faith. Sabarimala has never belonged to communal forces. Its inclusivity, its connections across communities and its history of reforms, stand in opposition to sectarian narratives. Efforts are on to portray the event as an effort by the CPI(M) to interfere in a religious gathering as communists are critics of religion. Communists study and critique all aspects of the society so that a better future can be ensured. So, quite naturally, religion also falls within their radar, as it is part and parcel of the society. Marx said, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature… It is the opium of the people.” He was highlighting the fact that religion helps the oppressed to forget their sufferings. Back then, opium was used by practitioners of medicine as a pain reliever.

The Global Ayyappa Sangamam is also a platform to discuss developmental projects — the Sabarimala Master Plan, the proposed airport and other initiatives. It is a political statement, which asserts that Kerala’s public sphere will not be surrendered to divisive forces. It also declares that secularism is not an abstract constitutional principle, but a living practice embodied in our pilgrim traditions.

M.A. Baby is CPI(M) General Secretary