A clash erupted over a woman’s entry at the Sabarimala temple today, with the devotees of Lord Ayyappa restricting her from entering the temple. The devotees of Lord Ayyappa prevented the woman, Lalitha, from entering the temple because they believed she is below 50 years of age.
The Supreme Court gave a verdict in the favour of the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple approximately three weeks back. However, the devotees are still protesting against the verdict.
Lalitha, 52 years old, from Thrissur, came to visit the Sabarimala temple with her son. She was stopped by some devotees at Sannidhanam (inner courtyard of the temple.) The clash over her age was soon resolved after the police confirmed she is 52 years old. The police then accompanied Lalitha and her son to the temple.
Lalith said, “I am not afraid, I want darshan of Lord Ayyappa.”
The devotees are on their toes to restrict women, who fall in the age group of 10 to 50 years, from entering the Sabarimala temple. The temple was opened for a two days’ special puja to be held on Monday and Tuesday.
A special Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal puja is going to be held today. The puja commemorates the birth anniversary of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last king of Travancore.
Security forces were deployed to control the situation, fearing increased violence by the devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
The Kerala Government said no pilgrim should be affected and harassed in order to implement the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The Sabarimala temple was opened for the second time yesterday, since the Supreme Court’s verdict on the entry of women into the temple. The temple was opened for the first time on the 17th of October, for six days. The devotees against the Supreme Court’s verdict managed to prevent women belonging to the menstrual age group from entering the temple. No woman below 50 years of age has entered the temple yet.
The temple will close today after the special puja, around 10:00 P.M.
