Sabarimala temple to re-open today amid tight security

This comes after the paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala on September 28.

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New Delhi: Days after massive ruckus was created at the Sabarimala temple post Supreme Court verdict, the temple is set to re-open on Monday amid tight security. As the temple opened its gates for the public, the devotees began their trek from Nilakkal base camp to Sabarimala Temple. This comes after the paved the way for entry of women of all ages into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala on September 28. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in its 4:1 verdict, said that banning the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine is gender discrimination and the practice violates rights of Hindu women. Devotees protest at Erumeli:  Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning against 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. Amit Shah’s controversial statement against SC order: Soon after SC pronounced its verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala temple, the BJP and the RSS led protests against the Supreme Court order to open the Sabarimala shrine to women of all age. Amid the protests, BJP president Shahsaid courts should desist from pronouncing verdicts which cannot be implemented.

#Kerala: Police deployed at Nilakkal base camp as #SabarimalaTemple is scheduled to open for prayers today evening. pic.twitter.com/iq7LWFD237

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018

#Kerala: Devotees begin the trek from Nilakkal base camp to #SabarimalaTemple. The temple will open today evening and will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/nK47UGMang

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018