Global Ayyappa Summit: Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin invited by Kerala Devaswom Minister

Chennai: Kerala Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan on Thursday formally invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to attend the Global Ayyappa Summit, scheduled for September 20 as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

The TDB oversees the functioning of temples across southern Kerala, including the Sabarimala temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, located in the Pathanamthitta district amid the Western Ghats. The temple is renowned for its centuries-old traditions and draws thousands of devotees annually during the two-month-long festival season.

Minister Vasavan, accompanied by senior officials, met Stalin at the Secretariat in Chennai to hand over the invitation. Also present were Tamil Nadu Devaswom Minister P K Sekar Babu, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, and senior Devaswom officials from Kerala.

Conceptualised as the largest gathering of devotees in South India, the Global Ayyappa Summit will bring together religious leaders, representatives and stakeholders to discuss pilgrim welfare and uphold the traditions of Lord Ayyappa’s shrine.

The festival season begins on the first day of November according to the Malayalam calendar and concludes in mid-January. The summit is set to take place on the banks of the sacred Pampa River, where pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip before ascending the hill to the temple.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event, while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin has been invited as the chief guest. “We will be inviting top leaders from all parties, including Chief Ministers from various states. Union Ministers and religious leaders will also be invited, besides religious leaders,” Vasavan said in Chennai.

The summit seeks to foster inter-state cooperation on pilgrim safety, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange, while emphasising Sabarimala’s importance as a symbol of faith and unity across southern India. By organising the event in strict accordance with Ayyappa traditions, the Travancore Devaswom Board aims to reinforce Sabarimala’s spiritual heritage while commemorating 75 years of service to devotees.

The Global Ayyappa Summit is expected to attract thousands of participants, making it a landmark spiritual gathering for the region.

IANS