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On day three of the Sabarimala temple opening, devotees continue to throng the hill for completing their pilgrimage to the Ayyappa temple. However, tension remains as women attempt to enter the temple.
After two women unsuccessfully attempted to trek up to the hill-shrine, a third woman began the long walk on Friday morning under a police guard of 150 personnel.
Devotees have been aggressively protesting a Supreme Court order that allows women of menstrual age to enter the temple, a ban that was followed for decades as a religious practice. With the Kerela government saying it will follow the court order and ensure women are allowed in the temple, protests have swept across the state leading to a state-wide shutdown.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is meeting today to find a resolution.
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Police say women won’t enter temple, to go back
Inspector general announces that women will be taken back amid protection. The announcement comes after head priest Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau threatened to close the temple and quit.
Ready to dump position, says Tantri
“I can’t withstand such a moment. I have already taken decision… I respect Supreme Court verdict but I am with devotees. No ill will against anyone. I am helpless. I am ready to dump my position,” says Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau. He also asks devotees to exercise utmost restraint.
Head priest says he will shut temple if women enter
Temple head priest, Tantri Rajeevaru Kandarau calls today a “most painful day”. “I told everyone if women enter holy steps, I will close the temple and I will go back to my house. I am with devotees. I can’t be a part of violation of temple rituals,” he says. Religious rituals have been disrupted for an hour.
Temple minister admits lapse
Temple minister Kadakampally Surendran admits lapse over activist being allowed. Had earlier said temple is not a place for activists.
Governor summons DGP over Sabarimala standoff
Director General of Police summoned by Governor Sathasivam.
Protests erupting in other parts of the state
As the standoff continues at the foot of the Pathinettam padi – the 18 steps that lead to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple – protests are erupting in Calicut and Kochi.
Temple priests join protests
Priests stage dharna, affecting temple rituals for the first time. Temple priests have so far never disrupted the temple’s routine, even carrying on during floods. The two women are 500 m away from the sanctum sanctorum, about a 10 minute walk to the shrine.
Opposition hits out at Kerala govt
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala criticises government, says it is playing with fire.
Temple minister criticises police
“Police should have checked antecedents of the women before escorting them,” says temple minister Kadakampally Surendran.
Activist Rehana Fathima refuses to leave
As police attempt to negotiate the women’s entry to the temple, activist Rehana Fathima refuses to turn back. She says she undertook the 41 day fast devotees usually do and wants to enter the Sabarimala temple.
House of one of the women attacked
One of the women attempting to enter the temple has been identified as Rehana Fathima, an activist involved in several movements including the Kiss of Love campaign. Two bike-borne people attacked her house in Kochi, police sources said.
Speculation over whether women will turn back
As impasse continues, it appears police might have to take the women back without entering the temple. This is the closest any menstrual women has reached the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
BJP leader arrested in Nilakkal
BJP leader Shohba Surendran arrested in Nilakkal for defying section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than five people in a public place.
Temple affairs minister says temple not a place for activists
Temple affairs minister Kadakampally Surendran says temple is not a place for activists.
Standoff between police and protesters continue
Protesters continue to block women’s path to the holy steps of the temple that lead to the sanctum sanctorum. The 18 holy steps mark the final leg of the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple.
Devotees chant hymns as they hold a sit-in dharna
Hundreds of devotees, including children, have sat down in the space leading to the temple’s holy steps. They are chanting Lord Ayyappa’s name and hymns.
Kerala govt tells police to ensure no use of force
Government directs inspector general to ensure no police action or use of force. The two women are waiting at the base of temple.
Women stop approach 500m from temple
The women have reached the Nada Panthal, the point where from the holy steps lead up to the shrine.
Police attempt to reason with devotees blocking path
Inspector general of police S Sreejith talks to protesting mob blocking their path. Says police are duty-bound to enforce law. “We are not here to hurt your sentiments,” says the Sreejith. Protestors not ready to move.
The police and devotees are in stand-off at the Nada Panthal, the last pit-stop before the main entry to the temple.
(ANI/Twitter)
Devotees slowly turning violent
People are beginning to violently protest. The Pandalam family ask the temple head priest, called the tantri, to close the temple doors as the women get closer.
Police warn of stampede
Situation gets very tense in Sabarimala as any violent outbreak poses danger to everyone. The trekking path to the temple has deep gorges. Trying to push protestors out of the way could cause many casualties both among devotees and police personnel.
Second woman also making the climb
Police are escorting a second woman trekking up the mountain. Neither of the women’s identity has been revealed to ensure their safety.
Woman crosses three-fourth of the distance
The journalist has come the closest to the temple than any woman of menstrual age so far. However, situation has become tense as devotees attempt to clock their path. Children among the devotees. Police warn of a stampede.
Path to temple clearer after police move protesters
Police moved devotees camping at the hilltop over the night to ensure security. Devotees on Thursday had lay on the ground in front of another woman making the trek to block her from climbing the hill.
Journalist crosses first mountain range
The woman journalist has crossed Neeli Mala, the first mountain range. She has two more steep ranges to cross. The situation has remained peaceful so far.
Journalist in police uniform, 150 cops form guard
The woman journalist has so far trekked 5 kms. Reports say she is in a police uniform and riot gear to camouflage her. She is accompanied by around 150 policemen who have formed a three-ring protection.
Woman journalist treks to Sabarimala temple
A woman journalist from Andhra treks to Sabarimala temple under police protection. The trek to the temple is a 5-kilometre stretch.
