Amid tight security, Sabarimala Temple gates reopen for two days; gender favouritism yet to be relieved

The Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala’s Sabarimala is thrown open for the monthly puja at 5:00 pm on Monday with security personnel on their toes in the backdrop of violent protests over entry of women of menstrual age. The protest follows the Supreme Court's September 28 order to permit women in the 10-50 age group to offer prayers at the Kerala shrine. At least 12 women had made a vain attempt to trek the hills soon after the verdict, however, had to return midway amid violent protests and threats from temple authorities to shut down the shrine. The door of the shrine will open at 5 pm on Monday and close at 10 pm on Tuesday.

Read More | Sabarimala reopens today, women journalists told to stay away 

Several Hindu outfits have urged media houses not to depute women journalists to cover the issue ahead of its opening for the special puja. According to a Kerala police release, 1,500 personnel, 100 of them women, are keeping vigil at Sabarimala and nearby areas from Pamba to Sannidhaman. 

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