New Delhi: Sabarimala temple reopens today for two days after weeks of violent protests against the entry of women of menstruating age hit the shrine. A massive security has been put in place in anticipation of protests. Over 1,000 security personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been called in to maintain order. It is the second time that the temple will open after the Supreme Court allowed women of all ages to enter the shrine.
The police banned gatherings of four or more people at Sabarimala and nearby areas on Saturday. It is expected to open at 5 pm today for a special puja due tomorrow and will close at 10 pm after it. Meanwhile, protestors have begun gathering at Nilakkal base camp.
Here are the Highlights on Sabarimala Temple Opening:
Nov 05, 2018 20:57 (IST)
Kandararu Rajeevaru, chief priest of Sabarimala Temple said that,"I only discussed that (closing the temple if women between 10-50 years of age come to sanctum sanctorum) matter with my family members and I did not discuss anything with the BJP chief of Kerala and I have nothing more to add to it."
Nov 05, 2018 17:45 (IST)
IG Ajith Kumar says that, "Adequate security has been made at Sabarimala for facilitating 'darshan' of all devotees.."
Nov 05, 2018 16:50 (IST)
After its opening today, the temple will close tomorrow at 10 PM.
Nov 05, 2018 14:04 (IST)
Hours ahead of the one-day special pilgrimage of the Sabarimala temple, devotees facing Kerala Police's questions and checking protested on Monday.
Nov 05, 2018 13:57 (IST)
The Kerala High Court has said that devotees and media at Sabarimala Temple should not be blocked and the government should not interfere in day to day activities of the temple.
Nov 05, 2018 10:55 (IST)
Media personnel were not allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba and 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex) from the base camp till 9 am this morning.
Nov 05, 2018 10:31 (IST)
Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli on Sunday, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'.
"We have been waiting since last evening. We were told that we would be allowed to leave at 6 am. Now, they are telling us that KSRTC buses will be allowed to leave only by 12 pm. We have come to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Please allow us to go," an angry devotee said.
Nov 05, 2018 09:09 (IST)
Devotees have begun to gather at Nilakkal base camp as Sabarimala Temple is set to open today.