Nilakkal, October 22: The Sabarimala shrine, which had opened for fives days, will close today. The temple will be shut at 10 PM tonight. Today will be the last chance for women in the age group of 10 to 50 to enter the historic Ayyappa shrine since the gates were open for the first time on Wednesday after the Supreme Court's ruling on September 28.
Till now, nine women between the age group of 10 - 50 years have tried to enter the shrine, but became the victim of angry protestors and had to return back. Earlier today, police officials informed media personnel in Sannidhanam and Pamba to vacate the area as police have received a tip-off of a targeted attack being planned on the media. Sabarimala Row: 'Feeling Proud,' Says Kavitha Jakkal, Hyderabad Journalist Who Almost Entered Sanctum Sanctorum.
Earlier on October 19, woman activist Rehana Fatima and Kavitha Jakkal, a journalist, had tried and failed to enter the Sabarimala temple. Both of them had to stop after the head priest warned them that he will close the gates and stop all the rituals. After the police explained to them the whole scenario, both of them agreed to return. The duo was just few hundred metres away from the sanctum sanctorum. According to the belief, women in their menstrual age are not allowed to enter the historic Ayyappa shrine.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2018 09:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).