BJP seeks coordinated action to protect sanctity of Sabarimala temple

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BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav receives a memorandum from Ayyappa devotees during a meeting on the Sabarimala pilgrimage in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State unit on Sunday (August 23, 2026) called for coordinated intervention by the Centre and the State governments of Keralam and Andhra Pradesh to protect the traditions of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and address the difficulties faced by pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage season.

Speaking at the State conference of Ayyappa Guruswamis at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, BJP State unit president P.V.N. Madhav said that preparations should begin immediately rather than waiting for the pilgrimage season. He said that the party would collect representations from Guruswamis and coordinate with the governments concerned to address the issues. An action plan would be prepared for the forthcoming pilgrimage season, expected to run from November 15 to January 20, 2027, he said.

Mr. Madhav also called for strengthening pilgrim facilities at Sabarimala on the lines of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. He sought better accommodation, healthcare, drinking water, annadanam, and information facilities, particularly along the Pamba-Nilakkal-Sannidhanam route. He urged the Keralam government to provide land for satras and other pilgrim facilities and sought greater support for voluntary organisations conducting annadanam.

Calling upon Hindus to remain united, Mr. Madhav said Guruswamis had a responsibility not only to guide devotees during the 41-day deeksha but also to preserve religious traditions. He also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to interfere with Sabarimala’s established customs.

Guruswamis from across Andhra Pradesh highlighted problems relating to medical assistance, accommodation, drinking water, food and transportation. Mr. Madhav said their representations would be taken up with the Keralam and Andhra Pradesh governments and the Centre, with an effort to evolve permanent solutions by next year.

The BJP leader said he would take up with the Centre the demand for additional trains to Sabarimala, particularly from the Telugu-speaking States. He also urged the Andhra Pradesh government to consider measures to prevent an increase in bus fares and provide concessions to pilgrims.

NTR district BJP president Adduri Sriram supervised the conference, attended by BJP leaders, Guruswamis, and representatives of religious organisations.

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