KERALA ON EDGE AS SABARIMALA OPENS TO ALL WOMEN

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates for all women on Wednesday for the first time following the order from Supreme Court.

For decades, menstruating women were banned from the premise of the temple, for the presiding deity, Lord Ayappa is considered to be a celibate. The SC on September 28 declared that it is wrong to deny entry based on gender.

According to reports, till Tuesday there was no clarity regarding women's entry into the temple premise. Many devotional organisations threatened to stop women from entering. Political party Shiv Sena even warned of massive suicides if women stepped inside the temple.

Despite the government's decision to uphold the Supreme Court's order, devotees flocked the area to ensure women do not come. On Tuesday, women devotees of a tribal community called Malayarayan were seen checking the traffic to seed out women between the ages 10 to 50.

Devotees have vowed to stay vigil till the temple closes for the year on October 21.