<p>With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-to-be-imposed-around-sabarimala-temple-ahead-of-special-prayer-175250">section 144 </a>of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sabarimala temple will reopen at 5 pm today for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. The temple is opening for the third time since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, however, no girl or woman in the restricted age group has been allowed to offer prayers so far following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/photojournalist-injured-in-clashes-after-woman-tried-to-enter-sabarimala-temple-175754">stiff resistance by devotees and activists</a>, opposing any change in the temple traditions.</p>

<p>According to a report by ANI, over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, have been deployed for the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine.</p>

<p>State director general of police Loknath Behara said that security has been doubled at Sabarimala and nearby areas for the season, compared to the previous two occasions when the temple opened last month and early this month.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, social activist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-tension-prevails-at-kochi-airport-trupti-desai-arrives-to-visit-temple-177618">Trupti Desai who has vowed to enter Sabarimala arrived&nbsp;from Pune</a> early in the morning today. Since then she has been kept inside the airport following the agitation staged by large number of protestors gathered outside the airport. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon reaching the airport, she faced a protest by hundreds of&nbsp;people chanting Ayyapa hymns gathered outside the Cochin International Airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One protester even said that they would not allow Trupti to go outside the airport even if police kill him, ANI reported.</p>

<p>Trupti Desai has also said that she booked a taxi a few times but agitators have threatened the drivers that "their vehicles will be vandalised if they offer to drive her."</p>

<p>"We reached Cochin airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," ANI quoted Trupti as saying.</p>

<p>She further said that she will not return until she offers her prayers at&nbsp;the temple.</p>

<p>"Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan'&nbsp;(prayer offering),"&nbsp;she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sabarimala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sabarimala</a> once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan': T Desai <a href="https://t.co/AeevWB5gZu">pic.twitter.com/AeevWB5gZu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1063301698104504320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trupti on Wednesday had written&nbsp;a letter to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she was&nbsp;not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple and had also asked for security during the visit.</p>

<p>To attain a common ground on the Sabarimala row, Kerala chief minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-bound-to-implement-supreme-court-verdict-kerala-cm-on-sabarimala-177515"> Pinayri Vijayan</a>&nbsp;had called for the all-party meeting on November 15th.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-govt-wonders-if-women-can-visit-temple-on-separate-days-from-men-177566">opposition parties in the state -- Congress and the BJP --&nbsp;walked out of the meet</a>.</p>

<p>On 28 September, the Supreme Court had quashed the age-old ban on entry of menstruating women into the temple, by allowing women of all ages to worship at the shrine. This is the third time that the temple will open after the top court lifted restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gates in October.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from news agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure.

With just a few hours remaining in Sabarimala Temple's reopening today, security has been beefed up in areas around Sabarimala. Authorities have imposed section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code in the towns of Nilakkal Pamba, and Sannidhanman as a precautionary measure. The Sabarimala temple will reopen at 5 pm today for the two-month-long annual pilgrim season. The temple is opening for the third time since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group, however, no girl or woman in the restricted age group has been allowed to offer prayers so far following stiff resistance by devotees and activists, opposing any change in the temple traditions. According to a report by ANI, over 15,000 personnel, including women police personnel and 860 women civil police officers, have been deployed for the season, when lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country are expected to throng the shrine. State director general of police Loknath Behara said that security has been doubled at Sabarimala and nearby areas for the season, compared to the previous two occasions when the temple opened last month and early this month. Meanwhile, social activist Trupti Desai who has vowed to enter Sabarimala arrived from Pune early in the morning today. Since then she has been kept inside the airport following the agitation staged by large number of protestors gathered outside the airport. Upon reaching the airport, she faced a protest by hundreds of people chanting Ayyapa hymns gathered outside the Cochin International Airport. One protester even said that they would not allow Trupti to go outside the airport even if police kill him, ANI reported. Trupti Desai has also said that she booked a taxi a few times but agitators have threatened the drivers that "their vehicles will be vandalised if they offer to drive her." "We reached Cochin airport at 4:30 am. Protests were being held outside. We booked taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now," ANI quoted Trupti as saying. She further said that she will not return until she offers her prayers at the temple. "Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan' (prayer offering)," she added. Police tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well. Protests being held here. Does this mean protesters are scared that we'll reach #Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan': T Desai pic.twitter.com/AeevWB5gZu — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018 × Trupti on Wednesday had written a letter to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that she would not leave the state if she was not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple and had also asked for security during the visit. To attain a common ground on the Sabarimala row, Kerala chief minister Pinayri Vijayan had called for the all-party meeting on November 15th. However, the opposition parties in the state -- Congress and the BJP -- walked out of the meet. On 28 September, the Supreme Court had quashed the age-old ban on entry of menstruating women into the temple, by allowing women of all ages to worship at the shrine. This is the third time that the temple will open after the top court lifted restrictions. So far 3,505 protesters have been arrested and around 529 cases registered in connection with a series of incidents of violence in the state after the opening of the temple gates in October. (With inputs from news agencies)

Sabarimala Temple set to reopen, social activist Trupti Desai vows to enter

<p>Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress,&nbsp;as it opens for a special puja on Monday.</p>

<p>The unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the backdrop of protests by devotees and Hindu outfits from October 17-22 opposing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's decision to implement the landmark Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine.</p>

<p>However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: Devotees climb the sacred Pathinettam Padi to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> to offer prayers. The temple, which opened this evening, will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/jfLfc0A6jt">pic.twitter.com/jfLfc0A6jt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059410646931005442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: Devotees throng <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> after its portals opened this evening. The temple will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/1RwqqyeMDp">pic.twitter.com/1RwqqyeMDp</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059409206200156160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The temple opened at 5 pm and will close at 10 pm for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of the last king of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.</p>

<p>The government and police machinery are on high alert to avoid any untoward incidents in and around the shrine, where ban orders under CrPC 144 are in force till Tuesday night.</p>

<p>Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan had Sunday said that all arrangements have been made for devotees to ensure smooth 'darshan'.</p>

<p>Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed for the security of the devotees.</p>

<p>At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), police said.</p>

<p>TV footage showed devotees locked in a war of words with police at several places along the route from Nilackal to Pamba, the key base camps on way to the shrine.</p>

<p>Besides being unsettled by the intense checking by the police, the pilgrims also complained about the lack of amenities at the base camps, which had witnessed widespread damage during the August deluge.</p>

<p>A group of devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning when they were not allowed to leave for Pamba. They blocked road traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Saranam' mantra.</p>

<p>Another batch of devotees complained that women police personnel asked their names and identity cards while travelling to Pamba in a state-run bus.</p>

<p>"They stopped the bus and asked our names and demanded that we show the identity cards. I said my name is Ayyappa... everyone in our group said the same (as the Ayyappa devotees are called).</p>

<p>"In Sabarimala, everyone is Ayyappa... devotees call each other as swamy," a devotee, carrying the sacred 'irumudikettu' (offerings to Lord Ayyappa) on his head, told a TV channel.</p>

<p>Another young devotee said he was not allowed to chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' by the security officials.</p>

<p>Several devotees could be seen walking to Pamba after waiting for the Kerala State Transport buses at Nilackal.</p>

<p>Around 500 devotees, who reached Pamba after walking for several hours, blocked road traffic en-route in protest.</p>

<p>Media personnel were also not allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba, the last entry point, and 'Sannidhanam' in the morning but the restriction was lifted later.</p>

<p>Some women journalists proceeded to Pamba with a police escort.</p>

<p>Hindu outfits, agitating against the entry of women of menstrual age into Sabarimala, Sunday had urged media houses not to depute women journalists under 50 to cover the issue.</p>

<p>A series of surveillance cameras have been installed at several points in an around the temple complex.</p>

<p>Local TV channels reported that mobile jammers have been installed in front of the room of 'tantri' (head priest), Kadararu Rajeevaru at the temple complex and some other places.</p>

<p>They also said police have restrained the priest from speaking to media.</p>

<p>Police have already prepared a registry of right-wing activists who are likely to reach the shrine to take part in the agitation against the entry of young women.</p>

<p>The BJP and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group.</p>

<p>So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with last month's protests and violence.</p>

<p>Around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 were prevented from reaching the temple and police and the agitators fought a pitched battle last month over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.</p>


Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday.

Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday. The unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the backdrop of protests by devotees and Hindu outfits from October 17-22 opposing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's decision to implement the landmark Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine. However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate. Kerala: Devotees climb the sacred Pathinettam Padi to enter #SabarimalaTemple to offer prayers. The temple, which opened this evening, will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/jfLfc0A6jt — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × Kerala: Devotees throng #SabarimalaTemple after its portals opened this evening. The temple will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/1RwqqyeMDp — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × The temple opened at 5 pm and will close at 10 pm for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of the last king of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. The government and police machinery are on high alert to avoid any untoward incidents in and around the shrine, where ban orders under CrPC 144 are in force till Tuesday night. Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan had Sunday said that all arrangements have been made for devotees to ensure smooth 'darshan'. Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed for the security of the devotees. At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), police said. TV footage showed devotees locked in a war of words with police at several places along the route from Nilackal to Pamba, the key base camps on way to the shrine. Besides being unsettled by the intense checking by the police, the pilgrims also complained about the lack of amenities at the base camps, which had witnessed widespread damage during the August deluge. A group of devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning when they were not allowed to leave for Pamba. They blocked road traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Saranam' mantra. Another batch of devotees complained that women police personnel asked their names and identity cards while travelling to Pamba in a state-run bus. "They stopped the bus and asked our names and demanded that we show the identity cards. I said my name is Ayyappa... everyone in our group said the same (as the Ayyappa devotees are called). "In Sabarimala, everyone is Ayyappa... devotees call each other as swamy," a devotee, carrying the sacred 'irumudikettu' (offerings to Lord Ayyappa) on his head, told a TV channel. Another young devotee said he was not allowed to chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' by the security officials. Several devotees could be seen walking to Pamba after waiting for the Kerala State Transport buses at Nilackal. Around 500 devotees, who reached Pamba after walking for several hours, blocked road traffic en-route in protest. Media personnel were also not allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba, the last entry point, and 'Sannidhanam' in the morning but the restriction was lifted later. Some women journalists proceeded to Pamba with a police escort. Hindu outfits, agitating against the entry of women of menstrual age into Sabarimala, Sunday had urged media houses not to depute women journalists under 50 to cover the issue. A series of surveillance cameras have been installed at several points in an around the temple complex. Local TV channels reported that mobile jammers have been installed in front of the room of 'tantri' (head priest), Kadararu Rajeevaru at the temple complex and some other places. They also said police have restrained the priest from speaking to media. Police have already prepared a registry of right-wing activists who are likely to reach the shrine to take part in the agitation against the entry of young women. The BJP and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group. So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with last month's protests and violence. Around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 were prevented from reaching the temple and police and the agitators fought a pitched battle last month over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.

Sabarimala Temple re-opens for special 5-hour pooja amid heavy security

<p>Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332">advisory to the south Indian states</a> of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board <a href="https://t.co/BieAIwyqd5">pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053253153578196992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala.</p>

<p>Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned."</p>

<p>"The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said.</p>

<p>Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster."</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday. Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row. "All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said. We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter #SabarimalaTemple: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala. Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned." "The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said. Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster." (With inputs from agencies)

Travancore Devaswom Board to challenge Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict

<p>Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.</p>

<p>Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals.</p>

<p>A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict.</p>

<p>On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for.</p>

<p>He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination.</p>

<p>While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.</p>

<p>A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group."</p>

<p>The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.</p>

<p>The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.&nbsp;</p>


Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple. Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals. A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict. On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for. He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition. Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group." The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.

Kerala: Ayyappa devotees take to the streets, oppose Sabarimala verdict

<p>The Supreme Court bench, headed by newly-appointed CJI Ranjan Gogoi, on Tuesday, refused urgent hearing on a review petition challenging the top court's verdict on the Sabarimala temple issue, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the apex court noted, "review petitions to come up for hearing in due course."</p>

<p>National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-verdict-national-ayyappa-devotee-association-challenges-scs-order-files-review-petition-170172">filed a review petition in the Supreme Court</a> challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on a review petition filed against the verdict allowing entry of women of all ages in Kerala's Sabarimala temple. Supreme Court says, 'review petitions to come up for hearing in due course.' <a href="https://t.co/PuHTc2abkh">pic.twitter.com/PuHTc2abkh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049531972480114688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049170626546556928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy.</p>

<p>On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict <a href="https://t.co/XCGvvj1szX">pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049200041452290050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict."</p>


The Supreme Court bench, headed by newly-appointed CJI Ranjan Gogoi, on Tuesday, refused urgent hearing on a review petition challenging the top court's verdict on the Sabarimala temple issue, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court bench, headed by newly-appointed CJI Ranjan Gogoi, on Tuesday, refused urgent hearing on a review petition challenging the top court's verdict on the Sabarimala temple issue, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the apex court noted, "review petitions to come up for hearing in due course." National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported. Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on a review petition filed against the verdict allowing entry of women of all ages in Kerala's Sabarimala temple. Supreme Court says, 'review petitions to come up for hearing in due course.' pic.twitter.com/PuHTc2abkh — ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2018 × The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse". Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court. — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy. On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women. RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict."

Supreme Court refuses to hear plea challenging Sabarimala verdict

<p>National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p>A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of the Constitution bench's judgement which lifted the ban on entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.</p>

<p>The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse".</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049170626546556928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict <a href="https://t.co/XCGvvj1szX">pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049200041452290050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women.</p>

<p>The ruling came after a petition argued that the practice violated gender equality. Activist Trupti Desai hailed the top court's decision as a step in the direction.</p>


National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported.

National Ayyappa Devotee association on Monday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict to allow entry of women into the Ayyappa temple in Kerala, news agency ANI reported. A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of the Constitution bench's judgement which lifted the ban on entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The plea, filed by Shylaja Vijayan, president of National Ayyappa Devotees Association, said the September 28 judgment which had allowed entry of women of all ages in the hill-top shrine is "absolutely untenable and irrational, if not perverse". Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stated that "the RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict." Supreme Court verdict over women's entry in Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple: National Ayyappa Devotee association files a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the earlier verdict of the Court. — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × Women of menstruating age, ageing 10 and 50, were barred from entering the Sabarimala Temple by its officials, who argued that the temple deity, Lord Ayyappa, had taken a vow of celibacy. RSS is trying to create a law and order situation in the state taking advantage of this verdict. Government is bound to implement the Supreme Court verdict: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Sabarimala Temple verdict pic.twitter.com/XCGvvj1szX — ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2018 × On September 28, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra ruled that banning women's entry into the temple is gender discrimination and violates the rights of Hindu women. The ruling came after a petition argued that the practice violated gender equality. Activist Trupti Desai hailed the top court's decision as a step in the direction.

Fresh plea filed against Supreme Court verdict allowing women to enter Sabarimala temple

<p>Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.</p>

<p>A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16.</p>

<p>Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state.</p>

<p>It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him.</p>

<p>The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter.</p>

<p>The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition.</p>

<p>On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.</p>

<p>Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine.</p>

<p>"It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here.</p>

<p>He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order.</p>

<p>On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine.</p>

<p>"When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added.</p>

<p>After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition.</p>

<p>"We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said.</p>

<p>Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps.</p>

<p>Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees.</p>

<p>"The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste.</p>

<p>The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged.</p>

<p>He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa.</p>

<p>Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue.</p>

<p>Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine.</p>

<p>They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places.</p>

<p>Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.&nbsp;</p>


Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself. A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16. Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state. It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him. The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter. The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine. "It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here. He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order. On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine. "When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added. After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition. "We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said. Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps. Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees. "The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste. The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged. He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue. Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine. They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places. Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.

Sabarimala verdict: Kerala government, TDB not to challenge Supreme Court's order

<p>The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said.</p>

<p>A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said banning entry of women to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entry-women-sabarimala-temple-indu-malhotra-lone-dissenter-supreme-court-bench-168118">Kerala's Sabarimala temple</a> is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">Also read: Supreme Court lifts </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108">ban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-lifts-ban-womens-entry-sabarimala-temple-kerala-168108"> on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala</a></p>

<p>Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar told PTI that the Supreme Court's verdict will be studied in detail and further course of action will be decided after that.</p>

<p>Padmakumar said the board had informed the court that they wanted to continue with the existing ritual practices, but now they have no other option but to implement the verdict.</p>

<p>The board, he said, will take steps to execute the apex court directive.<br />
It will study the judgement seriously, he said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Easwar, President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, said they were going for a review petition.</p>

<p>Easwar is the grandson of late Sabarimala priest Kandararu Maheswararu, who died in May this year.</p>

<p>The court pronounced its verdict on a clutch of pleas challenging the ban on entry of women of menstrual age in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and said law and society are tasked with the task to act as levellers.</p>


The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said.

The Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple was "disappointing", but the shrine board will accept it, Sabarimala head priest Kandararu Rajeevarau said. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said banning entry of women to Kerala's Sabarimala temple is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women. Also read: Supreme Court lifts ban on women's entry to Sabarimala temple in Kerala Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar told PTI that the Supreme Court's verdict will be studied in detail and further course of action will be decided after that. Padmakumar said the board had informed the court that they wanted to continue with the existing ritual practices, but now they have no other option but to implement the verdict. The board, he said, will take steps to execute the apex court directive. It will study the judgement seriously, he said. Rahul Easwar, President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, said they were going for a review petition. Easwar is the grandson of late Sabarimala priest Kandararu Maheswararu, who died in May this year. The court pronounced its verdict on a clutch of pleas challenging the ban on entry of women of menstrual age in Kerala's Sabarimala temple and said law and society are tasked with the task to act as levellers.

Sabarimala head priest disappointed after Supreme Court allows entry of women

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