Sabarimala Temple reopens for two months; activist Trupti Desai barred from entering Kerala shrine

Amid protests and political furore over the Supreme Court's path-breaking verdict allowing women of menstrual age group to worship Lord Ayyappa, the Sabarimala Temple gates are thrown open for 62-day long Mandala Pooja - Magaravilaku annual pilgrimage season this evening. However, the Supreme Court's Sabarimala judgement has had zero impact as gender barrier is yet to be bulldozed at the Kerala shrine. Activist Trupti Desai, the chief of the Bhumata Brigade, who arrived at Kochi to visit Sabarimala Temple this morning was blocked from leaving for the hill shrine. The high-octane religious drama at the airport does not seem to end the centuries old struggle for justice and dignity of women anytime soon.

Here are the LIVE updates from Sabarimala opening: