Sabarimala temple: Protesters target journalists, women at Sannidhanam

This is the second time Ayyappa's temple had opened in three weeks. Here are all the updates on Sabarimala temple row

3:25 PM

3:22 PM

Kerala High Court on Monday said that devotees and media at Sabarimala Temple should not be blocked.

11:44 AM

High drama at Sabarimala temple complex

There was high drama at the Sabarimala temple complex Tuesday morning with devotees protesting against the entry of a woman pilgrim, suspecting her to be in the menstrual age.

 

Lalitha (52) from Tirur had come to the temple with 19 relatives, including women, for her grandson's 'chorunnu' (rice giving ceremony).

 

She was near the 'nadapandal' (area just before devotees climb the 18 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum) when her group was suddenly surrounded by about 200 frenzied protesters clapping and chanting 'Ayyappa saranam' mantra, suspecting that she was below 50 years.

 

Police immediately intervened and after ascertaining the woman's age, informed the protesting devotees that she was not in the 'barred' age group and escorted her away.

11:06 AM

During the protests, a number of media persons, including a cameraman of a Kerala-based television channel, were attacked by agitating devotees.

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10:58 AM

Lalitha's entry into the holy shrine was opposed by protesters suspecting that she belonged to the age group of 10-50. However, she was allowed to enter after verification under police protection.

10:57 AM

A 52-year-old female devotee from Thrissur offered prayers at the Sabarimala Temple on Tuesday, amid agitation by protestors regarding her entry.

10:30 AM

A video journalist was injured in clashes at Sabarimala on Tuesday morning over reports of a woman below 50 attempting to enter the temple. 

9:12 AM

According to police officials, no women devotee approached them for assistance in facilitating their entry in Sabarimala Temple.

9:11 AM

Around 1,500 personnel are deployed in Pamba and Sannidhanam for maintenance of law and order.

9:06 AM

In a purported audio clip, Pillai claimed of being in touch with Sabarimala priests before they warned police officials of closing the Sabarimala Temple if women enter the temple premises last month. However, Pillai defended himself saying, "So what? I am a lawyer also, he (Rajeevaru) had taken a legal opinion from me. Many CPM Ministers have also taken opinion from me and I have fought cases.

9:04 AM

Chief priest of the Sabarimala Temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru denied consulting BJP Kerala unit chief P S Sreedharan Pillai before taking a call on shutting the doors of the Lord Ayyappa's shrine if women in the menstruating age entered its sanctum sanctorum.

9:04 AM

Chief priest of the Sabarimala Temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru denied consulting BJP Kerala unit chief P S Sreedharan Pillai before taking a call on shutting the doors of the Lord Ayyappa's shrine if women in the menstruating age entered its sanctum sanctorum.