Call to open Kerala shrine to women

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala minister for temple administration G. Sudhakaran brought back the issue of allowing women to enter the Hindu shrine of Sabarimala, stating in the assembly yesterday that the government favoured it.

The temple, considered the most famous in Kerala alongside the Guruvayur temple, is traditionally out of bounds for girls and women between 10 years and 50 years. The minister clarified a final decision on the matter would be taken only after the considered recommendations of a panel comprising those well-versed in Hindu traditions and those who have wide acceptability in society.

He said the Supreme Court had been apprised of the fact that the government would consider the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple based on the final decision of a panel to be constituted. Stating that the government's opinion was to let both men and women worship Lord Ayyappa, the temple's presiding deity, Sudhakaran said there was evidence that women in the 10-50 age group had visited the temple.

The minister said the core issue was restoration of a right that was once enjoyed by women, and pointed out that in 1940 the princess of the Travancore royal family had visited the temple.

However, the entry of women at Sabarimala has been strictly banned following a high court directive in 1990.

The minister's explanation sparked protest from opposition benches, with K. Sudhakaran of the Congress stating the minister was talking without sense. K. Sudhakaran said the minister's opinion ran counter to the faith and customs of the temple. The minister clarified that the issue of allowing women to worship at the temple was an "opinion" of the government.