Kochi, November 5: For the first time in history, 15 women cops were deployed in Sabarimala Temple premises on Monday as the temple reopened doors for all its devotees. All the women cops, deployed at the ‘Sannidhanam’ (temple complex), also offered prayers while they were on their duty. It must be noted that all the 15 lady policemen were of the age 50 and above, which is in compliance with the temple's ban on women of a menstrual age or between 10 and 50 years. Sabarimala Temple Doors Opened Again, Devotees Climb Sacred Pathinettam Padi to Offer Prayers; Security Upped.

When it was being questioned as to why all the lady cops above 50 years of age were chosen, IG Ajith, Sabarimala security in-charge said, “They're all of inspector and SI post. We've brought eligible police officers, didn't choose on basis of their age”.

After three weeks, the doors to Ayyappa temple opened Monday for the second time for a two-day special puja on November 5 and November 6. The temple doors opened at 5 PM on Monday and will be shut at 10 PM. It will open again on Tuesday for the “Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal” puja to mark the birth anniversary of the last king of the princely state of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. Sabarimala Row: Kerala BJP Chief Sreedharan Pillai 'Admits' Orchestrating Agitation as Per Their 'Agenda'. 

Security has been beefed up in the areas near the temple. Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed in Sabarimala and adjoining areas. Earlier on October 17, the doors of Sabarimala had opened for six days for the first time since the Supreme Court allowed women of menstruating age to enter the shrine, but none could make it to its hallowed precincts amid a welter of protests and violent clashes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2018 09:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).