On Sabarimala, Kerala government makes a U-turn in Supreme Court

The Kerala government today told the Supreme Court that it is willing to allow women of all ages inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Making a U-turn in the contentious Sabarimala issue, the Kerala government today told the Supreme Court that it is willing to allow women of all ages inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The Communist government had earlier supported the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple's custom of prohibiting the entry of menstruating women between the age of 10 and 50 years.

The Supreme Court questioned the rule that denies women right to enter a temple due to a natural menstrual cycle. It also wondered whether the temple trust is a public or a private endowment.

Reserving its judgment to refer the matter to a constitutional bench, the apex court said it will hear the matter again on February 20 next year.

Meanwhile, the three-month long 'mandala pooja' and 'makaravilakku' pilgrimage season at Lord Ayyappa temple in the hill shrine of Sabarimala is set to begin on November 15.