Kerala: The photos of two women at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam has been doing the rounds on social media for a couple of days now. The picture, which also went viral on Whatsapp , has drawn flak as people took to social media expressing concern over VIP visits in sabarimala, against the set norms and traditions.
Also read: Photos of young women in Sabarimala: Kerala govt orders probe
The debate on woman entering Sabarimala heated up after BJP Intelligence Cell convener Mohandas posted the photos of a few churidar-clad women at the Sannidhanam on Twitter.
It was alleged that these women had entered the shrine with the help of an influential businessman from Kollam. Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran had ordered an inquiry by the devaswom vigilance wing. The police officers in charge of 'entry control' explained that the women were above 50. The also said the devotees had submitted their ID proofs stating their age prior to the darshan. Recently, other photos had also surfaced online, which clearly showed their face.
The photograph, released on April 12, has once again stirred up a debate on whether women should be allowed to enter the shrine .There are restrictions on the entry of women in the 10- 50 age group in the hill shrine where the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa, is considered a 'naishtika brahmachari' (perennial celibate) by devotees.
Activist Rahul Easwar too had come up with a post in reply to Mohandas.