Two Menstruating Women Enter Sabarimala, Sparking Furore

Two women who entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple around 3:45 am on 2 January sparking off furore and protests across Kerala, claim that they didn’t face any resistance.

Women devotees Kanakdurga and Bindu say that the havoc is created only when people with a ‘Rashtriya’ agenda (Political/national agenda) interfere.

Devotees never cause trouble. In fact, on the 23rd we had tried to come to Sabarimala but just when we neared the sanctum sanctorum, so many people began coming towards us. When we thought we were going to get attacked, the police gave protection and brought us back. Today, we thought that before many people come to the temple, we should reach the shrine. So, we started our journey at about 12 in the night so that we can reach the nada at 3:30 am when it is opened.

Kanakadurga, Devotee

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan supported the move by saying that he assured police protection to those women who ‘climbed’ to reach the temple. He also said that in such cases police are bound to offer protection to anyone wanting to worship at the shrine.

The temple was shut down temporarily for 'purification rituals' before opening to public again at 11:30 am.

Traditions have to change with time. Back in the day, there have been many unfair restrictions for women but over time we are changing all of them. Every time we have tried to stand up against such practices, there has been a lot of opposition and anger. I can’t accept that just because I am a woman my rights to certain practices are curbed.

Kanakadurga, Devotee

Protests against the incident took place across Kerala. The national highway in Kasargod was blocked by BJP protestors who waved black flags at Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran in Guruvayur. Five of BJP’s Mahila Morcha members also protested outside the secretariat and the security was tightened outside Bindu's residence.