Congress for avoiding open debate on 'Makarajyothi'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress in Kerala today said it would be better to avoid an open debate on the 'Makarajyothi' of Sabarimala temple since it was connected to belief, devotion and tradition of millions of people.

"It is always better to avoid hair-splitting analyses of issues of devotion and belief. There are many customs and traditions associated with various Hindu, Muslim and Christian places of worship. Even courts mostly refrain from interfering in religious beliefs and traditions," KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said.

The debate on whether 'Makarajyothi' of Lord Ayyappa shrine is celestial or man-made had gained momentum with the Kerala High Court recently asking Tranvancore Devaswom Board (which manages the shrine) to come out with a clarification on this.

Chennithala said it was regrettable that there had often been attempts by certain quarters to tarnish the glory of Sabarimala -- one of India's largest pilgrim centres.

The Congress leader claimed that the LDF Government alone was responsible for the Pullumedu stampede in which 102 Ayyappa pilgrims were killed.

Primarily, it was the responsibility of the state government to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims coming to the hill shrine.

What was happening now is that police, Forest department and the Temple board were blaming each other for such a huge tragedy. This itself show that there was a serious lapse on the part of the government, Chennithala added.