Sabarimala temple closes tonight, last day for women to attempt trek; BJP to stage protest across Kerala against SC verdict

Sabarimala temple issue: The BJP General Secretary said that the state government and Devaswom Board will file a review petition in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the apex court today said it will see tomorrow as to when it can take up hearing the fresh petitions (writ and review).

Sabarimala temple issue: The temple witnessed strings of protests by devotees and priests as few women tried to reach the sanctum sanctorum. (PTI)

Sabarimala temple issue: After a five-day monthly ritual, the Sabarimala temple will shut tonight at 10 pm. The Ayyappa shrine had opened on October 18 for the first time after the Supreme Court's landmark verdict that allowed women in menstruating age groups to enter the temple. The temple, however, witnessed strings of protests by devotees and priests as few women tried to reach the sanctum sanctorum. So far, 9 women who have attempted the trek to the hilltop temple, have met with angry protesters forcing them to return. In a fresh turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yesterday announced that it will launch a one-month long campaign across Kerala against the Supreme Court verdict. The BJP General Secretary said that the state government and Devaswom Board will file a review petition in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the apex court today said it will see tomorrow as to when it can take up hearing the fresh petitions (writ and review) in regard to the entry of women in age group 10-50 in Kerala's Sabarimala Temple. There are 19 review petitions pending before the Supreme Court in connection with the case.

There are 19 review petitions pending before the Supreme Court in connection with the #SabarimalaTemple. https://t.co/5HC2R8tzkh

— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2018

Speaking to ANI, K. Surendran, Kerala BJP General Secretary said, "There will be a month-long Sabarimala Aiyyappa Samrakshnaye Abhiyaan (Save Sabarimala Campaign) across Kerala. We will be going to every single booth, will visit every house and tell people about the importance of the sanctity of Sabarimala Temple." When questioned if they were not afraid of the consequences, Surendran said, "Maybe, but belief is everything for the Ayyappaa devotees. No court should interfere in the matter of faith." (With inputs from ANI)