What was envisioned as a grand image-enhancing initiative ended up mired in controversy. The Global Ayyappa Sangamam, organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board, instead triggered a chain of developments that placed both the board and the government under intense pressure.

Among the latest concerns is an audit report highlighting transparency issues and discrepancies in fund utilisation. In addition, a High Court-appointed special commissioner noted that the board suffered losses estimated at Rs 3.4 crore.

The Sangamam was held at Pampa on September 20, 2025. According to the organisers, the objective was to promote the global prominence of the Sabarimala temple and gather feedback from devotees to improve the pilgrimage experience. However, critics widely interpreted the programme as an effort by the government to placate worshippers still dissatisfied with its handling of the Supreme Court of India’s 2018 verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the shrine.

Opposition parties objected from the outset, accusing the board of diverting funds for what they described as a government-led publicity exercise. When the High Court admitted a public interest litigation challenging the event, the board assured the court that expenses would be covered through sponsorships.

Controversies persisted. During the event, a message from Yogi Adityanath was read out, prompting criticism from the Indian National Congress. Party leaders alleged that the gesture hinted at a tacit political understanding between the ruling front and the BJP.

Attendance figures also became a subject of debate. Images of empty chairs circulated widely on social media, fuelling claims of poor participation. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, however, maintained that 4,126 people attended, including 182 international delegates.

The most significant fallout stemmed from the Sabarimala gold theft case, which surfaced around the same period. Days before the Sangamam, priest-turned-businessman Unnikrishnan Potty alleged that a gold pedestal from the temple was missing. Reports suggested he was displeased with the board’s refusal to grant him full control over repair work on gold panels. The investigation — now involving state police and the Enforcement Directorate — dealt a severe blow to the board’s plans, with some sponsors reportedly reconsidering their commitments.

What began as a celebratory gathering thus evolved into a focal point for financial, administrative, and political scrutiny.