Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women in their 40s, who created history by defying threats from saffron organisations and offered prayers at Sabarimala temple, Thursday said they were not tools of anyone and dismissed as "baseless" the allegations that they were playing into the hands of police and the government.

They also said their aim was Sabarimala darshan and they achieved it without facing any trouble from the devotees.

"All the pilgrims going to Sabarimala were very cooperative. We never had any problem from other devotees. We trekked down safely from the shrine," Kanakadurga said.

The shrine, which was out of bounds for girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age, on Wednesday saw the breaking of centuries-old tradition and infuriating the Hindu right outfits when the 42-year-old Bindu and 44-year-old Kanakadurga visited it under police protection.

In an exclusive interview given to Manorama channel, Kanakadurga said, "Going to Sabarimala was my own decision."

Dismissing the conspiracy angle being alleged by the Sangh Parivar outfits and the Opposition Congress that the two women were playing into the hands of police and the government, the women said they "used" the police machinery to enter Sabarimala on the basis of the September 28 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine.

"We do not know whether chief minister had any role in our reaching the shrine," they said.

"We are a group of like-minded people. That's why we have come together to trek the temple. Police or political party agenda, as was being alleged by the BJP and others, is baseless," she said.

When asked whether they were devotees or activists, Kanakadurga said there an activist can also be a devotee.

"Activists are also devotees. If some activist wants to visit a temple, they can.The September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allows all women to go, whether they are activists or devotees," she said.

Bindu told the channel that they were adamant and wanted to visit the shrine after failing in their first attempt on December 24 when they were forced to return due to violent protests.

"If we had gone back to our respective homes, we were sure that we may never visit Sabarimala. So we sought help from the police and SPs from two districts," she said.

She also said they did not disclose where they stayed after the December 24 fiasco as they feared the safety of their friends.

"We sought security from Pamba, (Sabarimala foothills), and the trip was not in any ambulance as claimed by political parties. We trekked all the way to the shrine," Bindu told the channel.

Dismissing the allegations that they have political affiliations, Bindu said those who oppose the entry of women into Sabarimala have always labelled as "Maoists" the women who attempted to trek the hills.

"I am not affiliated with any political party or organisation now. I have left all those years back. I was part of the CPI(ML)'s Central Committee and later resigned owing to differences. I am not part of any organisation now," she said, adding that she was a key speaker at a BJP event on Human Rights Day years ago.&nbsp;

"That doesn't mean that I am with BJP. Just because I entered Sabarimala will never make me a communist," she said.

When asked about her family's support, Bindu said she has the backing of her husband Hariharan on every issue, including Sabarimala, and he had even accompanied the duo till Sannidhanam (temple complex).

When asked about her mother's criticism for undertaking the trip to Sabarimala, Bindu said her mother has got all rights to express her views.&nbsp;

"My mother and brother have all the rights to say that women should not enter Sabarimala. This is a democratic country. They can express their views and rights. They are entitled to their views," she said.

Kanakadurga said she was staying with her husband and kids but may have some ideological differences.

She also said that her husband tried to dissuade her considering her safety.

Bindu said the petitions on Sabarimala issue were coming up before the Supreme Court on January 22, and "these riot-mongers" had an agenda to not allow the women to enter the shrine before that.

"This was a clear-cut political agenda played by the Sangh Parivar organisations to uproot the left ideology from Kerala and come to power," she said.

"It has been exposed that there were no objections from the devotees but the protests were from these riot-mongers. The Kerala society has understood the same. They have been exposed," Bindu said.

Meanwhile, a top police official confirmed to PTI that at least 20-30 anti-Maoist commandos escorted the women to the shrine. However, It was not clear from where the police escorted them.&nbsp;

Kerala was in ferment on Thursday, a day after the two women entered the Sabarimala temple, infuriating saffron outfits, with protesters blocking roads by placing burning tyres and granite blocks, and clashes leaving 31 police personnel and many others injured.

The dawn to a dusk shutdown called by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, and the Antarrashtriya

Hindu Parishad (AHP), plunged the state into turmoil, as hundreds of Hindu right-wing activists disrupted vehicular movement and vandalised shops and offices of the ruling CPI(M).&nbsp;

They also said their aim was Sabarimala darshan and they achieved it without facing any trouble from the devotees.

Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women in their 40s, who created history by defying threats from saffron organisations and offered prayers at Sabarimala temple, Thursday said they were not tools of anyone and dismissed as "baseless" the allegations that they were playing into the hands of police and the government. They also said their aim was Sabarimala darshan and they achieved it without facing any trouble from the devotees. "All the pilgrims going to Sabarimala were very cooperative. We never had any problem from other devotees. We trekked down safely from the shrine," Kanakadurga said. The shrine, which was out of bounds for girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age, on Wednesday saw the breaking of centuries-old tradition and infuriating the Hindu right outfits when the 42-year-old Bindu and 44-year-old Kanakadurga visited it under police protection. In an exclusive interview given to Manorama channel, Kanakadurga said, "Going to Sabarimala was my own decision." Dismissing the conspiracy angle being alleged by the Sangh Parivar outfits and the Opposition Congress that the two women were playing into the hands of police and the government, the women said they "used" the police machinery to enter Sabarimala on the basis of the September 28 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine. "We do not know whether chief minister had any role in our reaching the shrine," they said. "We are a group of like-minded people. That's why we have come together to trek the temple. Police or political party agenda, as was being alleged by the BJP and others, is baseless," she said. When asked whether they were devotees or activists, Kanakadurga said there an activist can also be a devotee. "Activists are also devotees. If some activist wants to visit a temple, they can.The September 28 verdict of the Supreme Court allows all women to go, whether they are activists or devotees," she said. Bindu told the channel that they were adamant and wanted to visit the shrine after failing in their first attempt on December 24 when they were forced to return due to violent protests. "If we had gone back to our respective homes, we were sure that we may never visit Sabarimala. So we sought help from the police and SPs from two districts," she said. She also said they did not disclose where they stayed after the December 24 fiasco as they feared the safety of their friends. "We sought security from Pamba, (Sabarimala foothills), and the trip was not in any ambulance as claimed by political parties. We trekked all the way to the shrine," Bindu told the channel. Dismissing the allegations that they have political affiliations, Bindu said those who oppose the entry of women into Sabarimala have always labelled as "Maoists" the women who attempted to trek the hills. "I am not affiliated with any political party or organisation now. I have left all those years back. I was part of the CPI(ML)'s Central Committee and later resigned owing to differences. I am not part of any organisation now," she said, adding that she was a key speaker at a BJP event on Human Rights Day years ago. "That doesn't mean that I am with BJP. Just because I entered Sabarimala will never make me a communist," she said. When asked about her family's support, Bindu said she has the backing of her husband Hariharan on every issue, including Sabarimala, and he had even accompanied the duo till Sannidhanam (temple complex). When asked about her mother's criticism for undertaking the trip to Sabarimala, Bindu said her mother has got all rights to express her views. "My mother and brother have all the rights to say that women should not enter Sabarimala. This is a democratic country. They can express their views and rights. They are entitled to their views," she said. Kanakadurga said she was staying with her husband and kids but may have some ideological differences. She also said that her husband tried to dissuade her considering her safety. Bindu said the petitions on Sabarimala issue were coming up before the Supreme Court on January 22, and "these riot-mongers" had an agenda to not allow the women to enter the shrine before that. "This was a clear-cut political agenda played by the Sangh Parivar organisations to uproot the left ideology from Kerala and come to power," she said. "It has been exposed that there were no objections from the devotees but the protests were from these riot-mongers. The Kerala society has understood the same. They have been exposed," Bindu said. Meanwhile, a top police official confirmed to PTI that at least 20-30 anti-Maoist commandos escorted the women to the shrine. However, It was not clear from where the police escorted them. Kerala was in ferment on Thursday, a day after the two women entered the Sabarimala temple, infuriating saffron outfits, with protesters blocking roads by placing burning tyres and granite blocks, and clashes leaving 31 police personnel and many others injured. The dawn to a dusk shutdown called by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, and the Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP), plunged the state into turmoil, as hundreds of Hindu right-wing activists disrupted vehicular movement and vandalised shops and offices of the ruling CPI(M).

Are not part of any agenda, say two women who visited Sabarimala temple

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-kerala-cm-confirms-entry-of-2-women-tdp-board-denies-temple-shut-for-purification-187821"> two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple </a>of Lord Ayyappa.

As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places.

But in Kozhikode, protesters blocked vehicles and burnt tyres in the morning.

The hartal, which began at 6 am, has been called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, spearheading protests against the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP).

The BJP is supporting the shutdown while the Congress-led UDF is observing a "black day" on Thursday.

Two women,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126"> Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42)</a>, created history be stepping into the hallowed precincts guarded by police three months after the Supreme Court's historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity.

As the news spread like wildfire from the hill shrine, protests erupted at several places, with Hindu right-wing activists blocking highways and forcing closure of shops and markets.

BJP and CPI(M) workers clashed in front of the Secretariat for over five hours Wednesday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.

A 55-year-old man, who was seriously injured in stone throwing at Pandalam, died late Wednesday night.

Merchants' organisations have said they would not cooperate with the hartal and keep shops and business establishments open.

Meanwhile, state DGP Loknath Behara has warned of strict action against those indulging in violence during the hartal.

Various universities, including Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur have postponed their examinations scheduled for Thursday.&nbsp;

As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places.

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa. As per initial reports, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers were plying at the railway station in the state capital and various other places. But in Kozhikode, protesters blocked vehicles and burnt tyres in the morning. The hartal, which began at 6 am, has been called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Hindutva groups, spearheading protests against the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, and Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (AHP). The BJP is supporting the shutdown while the Congress-led UDF is observing a "black day" on Thursday. Two women, Kanakadurga (44) and Bindu (42), created history be stepping into the hallowed precincts guarded by police three months after the Supreme Court's historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women between 10 and 50 years of age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, its "eternally celibate" deity. As the news spread like wildfire from the hill shrine, protests erupted at several places, with Hindu right-wing activists blocking highways and forcing closure of shops and markets. BJP and CPI(M) workers clashed in front of the Secretariat for over five hours Wednesday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. A 55-year-old man, who was seriously injured in stone throwing at Pandalam, died late Wednesday night. Merchants' organisations have said they would not cooperate with the hartal and keep shops and business establishments open. Meanwhile, state DGP Loknath Behara has warned of strict action against those indulging in violence during the hartal. Various universities, including Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi, Calicut and Kannur have postponed their examinations scheduled for Thursday.

Kerala shutdown over entry of 2 women to Sabarimala temple, public transport hit

Two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-first-after-supreme-court-verdict-2-women-below-50-enter-sabarimala-temple-187812">women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple</a> on Wednesday and offered prayers at the main shrine. The incident has been confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking to media CM Vijayan said,&nbsp;"Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Today, two women entered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple. <a href="https://t.co/GdfS2BEi6i">pic.twitter.com/GdfS2BEi6i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080327690689961986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, the women -- identified as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-women-pilgrims-made-to-return-from-lord-ayyappa-shrine-186126">Bindu and Kanakdurga</a> -- trekked to the hill shrine early Wednesday. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am.

The video posted by news agency ANI showed them entering the shrine, wearing black clothes, with their heads covered.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered &amp; offered prayers at Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> at 3.45am today <a href="https://t.co/hXDWcUTVXA">pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080307598216384519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar said he had no information about the women offering prayers at the temple.

TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim.

The temple authorities have shut the temple following the entry of both women, purification rituals have been called for.

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Kerala's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> shut for purification rituals. Two women devotees in their 40's had entered the temple in the early morning hours today. <a href="https://t.co/jMefTpCsCE">pic.twitter.com/jMefTpCsCE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1080329192355627008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras.

The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims.

On Tuesday, lakhs of women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- formed a 620km <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-kerala-women-form-620-km-long-human-wall-to-uphold-gender-equality-187767">human wall </a>as they stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state&nbsp;as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality.

Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'.

The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a Supreme Court order allowing women of all age to offer prayers there.

The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Following the entry of both women, the temple has been shut for purification rituals.

Two women in their 40s entered Sabarimala temple on Wednesday and offered prayers at the main shrine. The incident has been confirmed by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaking to media CM Vijayan said, "Today, two women entered Sabarimala temple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple." Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Today, two women entered #SabarimalaTemple. We had issued standing orders to police to provide all possible protection to any woman who wants to enter the temple. pic.twitter.com/GdfS2BEi6i — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × According to reports, the women -- identified as Bindu and Kanakdurga -- trekked to the hill shrine early Wednesday. They offered their prayers at 3:45 am. The video posted by news agency ANI showed them entering the shrine, wearing black clothes, with their heads covered. #WATCH Two women devotees Bindu and Kanakdurga entered & offered prayers at Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple at 3.45am today pic.twitter.com/hXDWcUTVXA — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Meanwhile, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar said he had no information about the women offering prayers at the temple. TDB officials have been asked to view CCTV footage to verify their claim. The temple authorities have shut the temple following the entry of both women, purification rituals have been called for. Kerala's #SabarimalaTemple shut for purification rituals. Two women devotees in their 40's had entered the temple in the early morning hours today. pic.twitter.com/jMefTpCsCE — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2019 × Bindu, a college lecturer and CPI(ML) activist from Kozhikode district's Koyilandy, and Kanakadurga, a civil supplies employee from Angadipuram in Malappuram, had come to Sabarimala on December 24 after 11 women activists of a Chennai-based outfit were prevented from reaching the shrine and chased away by devotees chanting Ayyappa mantras. The temple was opened on December 30 for the Makaravillaku festival and there has been a heavy rush of pilgrims. On Tuesday, lakhs of women from various walks of life -- writers, athletes, actors, politicians and techies, government officials and homemakers -- formed a 620km human wall as they stood across the highways crisscrossing through the 14 districts in the state as part of a state-sponsored initiative to uphold gender equality. Expressing solidarity, thousands of men also lined up parallel forming a second human 'wall'. The temple had witnessed protests from frenzied devotees over the entry of women in the 10-50 age group in the shrine after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement a Supreme Court order allowing women of all age to offer prayers there. The main opposition Congress-led UDF and the BJP has been opposing the entry of young women, saying they are with the devotees. (With inputs from agencies)

Sabarimala: Kerala CM confirms entry of 2 women, TDP board denies; temple shut for purification

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