Sabarimala, Jan 2 (UNI) For the first time in the history of temple, world famous Lord Ayyappa temple was closed following the entry of two young women into the Santum Sanctorum early on Wednesday.
The temple was closed at 1030 hrs to conduct "Sudhi Kariya" and "Prayachitha Poojas" in the wake of breaking of centuries old customs and traditions restricting the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50.
After coming to know that the two young women entered the temple, Chief Priest Rajeevaru Kandararu and Headpriest VN Vasudevan Nampoothiri closed the temple after a discussion with the officials of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
Following the closure, "Neyyabishekam" was stopped and efforts are going to hold "Bimba Sudhi" and other rituals, including "Prayachitha Poojas," sources told UNI.
"The temple will reopen after the Tantric rituals after 1125 hrs. In connection with the rituals, thousands of devotees are being evacuated from 'Sannidanam' by the police. Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple after the completion of "Parihara Poojas."
The Sabarimala Karma Samiti which is in the forefront of agitation against the entry of young women and the representatives of Pandalam Palace also came out against the Left Government alleging that police brought the women into the temple with the knowledge of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The Karma Samiti alleged that the CPI (M) Government was destroying the customs and traditions in the name of September 28 Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry for women of all ages into the temple.
Later, the temple was opened after the completion of "Sudhi Kariya" and pilgrims are being allowed to enter the temple for Darshan.
UNI DS CS 1141