Global Ayyappa Sangamam: CM cites verses from Bhagavad Gita, hails Sabarimala's unique spirituality

PATHANAMTHITTA: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Global Ayyappa conclave by lighting the lamp along with SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellapally Natesan in Pampa on Saturday. While addressing the event, CM quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita and raised the need to make the divine abode stronger in front of the world.

Pinarayi Vijayan:

“I’m very happy to be participating in this event. Sabarimala is special and offers a spirituality that is not restricted to any particular religion. Some forces, who use religion as a façade for politics, tried to disrupt this event, but to no avail. The Supreme Court gave them the apt response.

There is also a propaganda that the government is looting money from Sabarimala. It is a blatant lie. It is the government that often supports the Devaswom financially. The news is being twisted to favour certain sections.

The characteristics of a devotee are found in the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, in eight verses from 13 to 20. The most important of them is the part that begins, 'adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha '. The definition of a devotee according to the Gita is someone who hates nothing, is a friend to everything, is kind to everyone, is indifferent to happiness and sorrow, and is tolerant and tolerant of everything. This gathering is upholding the concept of devotion mentioned in the Gita.

The purpose of this gathering is to make Sabarimala more universally accepted, to take forward its development projects in a way that does not harm the environment, and to make pilgrimages more hassle-free. The Devaswom Board and the government will move forward by giving utmost importance to your suggestions on how to make all this possible. A historical exhibition covering the activities of the Travancore Devaswom Board over the last 75 years, as well as exhibitions of art forms related to Sabarimala and other Kerala art forms, have been arranged as part of this gathering. Through this, not only the fame of Sabarimala and the exemplary activities of the Travancore Devaswom Board, but also the characteristics of Kerala will reach the whole world.

The global conclave was not decided on one fine morning. It took years of deliberation and discussion to arrive at such an event. With changing times, devotees are rapidly increasing, and there is a need to address the challenges faced by officials in controlling the crowd and providing facilities in Sabarimala. A scientific master plan was prepared. This master plan includes the Sabari railway, ropeway, airports, etc. The details of this master plan will be discussed in this meeting. It is expected that experts from various fields will lead the discussions."

Leaving the state BJP flummoxed, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered his greetings to the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.