NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday has called for the Kerala government to address what it describes as "oppression of devotees" and the alleged promotion of non-traditional practices at the Sabarimala shrine . VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal raised questions about the inclusion of Vavar, a figure associated with Lord Ayyappa 's mythology, into Sabarimala traditions, claiming it is a distortion of Hindu customs. The VHP has demanded the immediate cessation of rituals at the Vavar mosque and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of devotees.
Describing Sabarimala as the "Ayodhya of the South," Bansal accused the state's communist-led government of imposing practices that undermine the faith of Hindu devotees. "Why is the communist government of Kerala making Lord Ayyappa's devotees worship Vavar? Forcing innocent Hindu devotees to offer prayers at Vavar's mosque is an insult to our religious beliefs and traditions," Bansal stated, alleging a "conspiracy of secret admiration for jihadists." The organization further alleged financial exploitation of pilgrims, citing examples such as fees for applying tilak and restrictions on family priest rituals.
Highlighting issues faced by devotees during the ongoing Mandala Puja season, which began on November 16, Bansal criticized the lack of basic amenities like drinking water, food, toilets, and medical facilities on the pilgrimage route. He also expressed concerns over "piles of garbage" and the presence of "ha.
