Keralam social activist’s comments have hurt Ayyappa devotees: samiti

The Sabarimala Karma Samiti has expressed concern over a reported statement made by social activist Sunny M. Kapikad regarding Lord Ayyappa. The organization claims the comments are derogatory and hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. Kapikad's remarks ridiculed the divine concept of Lord Ayyappa's celibacy, the association with Malikappurathamma, the eighteenth sacred step, and the observance of vritham, which are central to the temple's traditional practices and spiritual heritage.

Samiti general convener S.J.R. Kumar stated that the samiti will take legal action to protect the sanctity and practices of Sabarimala, as well as the faith and dignity of Ayyappa devotees. In response, Kapikad claimed he only criticized the "falsehoods and illogical arguments" surrounding the concept of eternal celibacy, but expressed regret over an off-the-cuff remark during his speech.

He accused the defenders of the celibacy concept of devaluing its importance and using it as an excuse to reject the Supreme Court's verdict on women's entry to the hill temple. Kapikad also suspected a conspiracy to divert public attention from the gold theft incident at Sabarimala temple, where a senior priest was arrested for allegedly stealing gold donated by devotees to various temples across the state.