Chennai: The Kerala government's submission before the Supreme Court that it favoured entry of women of all age groups into the ancient Ayyappa Swamy temple, Sabarimala, is likely to be met with opposition, resentment among male devotees and cause confusion among women here. Initial reaction from a cross section in Tamil Nadu reveals that the state is opposed to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's "interference" into the age-old customs and traditions in practice.
"Women in Kerala have already conveyed that they would not meddle with the tradition. In Tamil Nadu we have a long tradition of Gurusamy parampara for over 60 years since the times of Trivandram Neelagandaiyar. This decision will only lead to needless confusion," says T. Vaidhyanathan, founder and managing trustee of Tamil Nadu Ayyappa Medical Mission and Charities, who has been involved in extending free annadhanam and medicare to the Ayyappa devotees since the last 16 years. Last year alone, his organisation spent Rs. 10.85 lakh on free food and medicines.
"God is the same for all. Allowing women of all age groups is not a problem but the point is the trek inside the forest route, the arduous journey and above all the 48 days vratam may not be possible for all to follow," says V. Subramanian, secretary, Janakalyan, Chennai.
"It is politically motivated. Those against the Hindus are attempting to create trouble," claims Mr Vaidhyanathan. Questioning the need for government or "outside force" to project oneself as "champions of gender equality" when it comes to Hindus, BJP functionary S. Krishnan sought to know if any government would be inclined to interfere into the personal or religious affairs of the Muslims or Christians.
In case the entry is allowed for all age groups, stepping on the Pathinettam padi (18 holy steps) done by Ayyappa devotee carrying Irumudi (specially designed bag with two divisions) and accepting material for abhishekam, could not be allowed, it is pointed out. "Separate Ayyapa temple for ladies to worship exists in Sabarimala. Why this issue?" asks Mr Subramanian.
