Sabarimala Temple Opened Amid Crisis Over Women's Entry

The popular and devotional place, Sabarimala temple opened yesterday for a two-month Mandala Puja, amid tight security in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. As per the arrangements, the temple was opened for the puja at around 5 pm and devotees would be able to visit the temple from November 17 after the puja.

Tight security preparations have been made around Pathanamthitta, the location of the temple. Compared to the last season, no prohibitory order has been hold in and around the temple town this time.

Furthermore, the pilgrims would be allowed to climb the 18 holy steps after the padi puja to have their darshan.

The portals of the hill temple would be opened for the two month long mandalam Makaravilakku period from this evening. Currently, devotees have started arriving at Nilackal and Pamba from various parts of Kerala and neighboring states, but would be allowed to leave for the temple after 2pm only.

This time, the Kerala government has made it clear that they will not make any efforts to see that women were allowed to the temple to pray. On Friday, Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran said the state government will not provide protection to any woman, including the women activists, who visit the temple. He also mentioned that those who need protection should get an order from the Supreme Court.