Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, P.S. Prasanth, has indicated a potential shift in the Board’s position at the Supreme Court concerning the contentious issue of women entering Sabarimala. He said the Board intends to inform the court about the temple’s traditional rituals.

Speaking at a press meet on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram related to the Ayyappa Sangamam (Conclave), Prasanth emphasised that the Board would deliberate with legal experts before presenting its stance. “We must consult legal experts. After consultation, we will do whatever is possible. Everyone knows the rituals at Sabarimala. We will try to make the Supreme Court aware of them. At the same time, we will consult legal experts and do whatever is necessary,” he said.

Political pressure ahead of Ayyappa Sangamam

The Sangamam, organised by the TDB as part of its 75th anniversary in association with the Kerala government, will take place on September 20 at Pampa. Ahead of the global event, the BJP and affiliated organisations have urged the government and the Devaswom Board to reconsider their stand supporting women’s entry into Sabarimala. BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar specifically called on the TDB to revise its position in the Supreme Court prior to the Sangamam.

Focus on smooth pilgrimage arrangements

Prasanth added that devotees of Lord Ayyappa primarily expect effective arrangements to ensure a smooth darshan at the hill shrine. He noted that the Ayyappa Sangamam aims to address devotees’ concerns and serve as a precursor to the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage. Registration for the Sangamam is being conducted through the Sabarimala portal.