Sabarimala: Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Monday said that Bhumata Brigade chief Trupti Desai would not be allowed to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple, even as the activist plans to lead 100-odd women to the hill shrine. “The Sabarimala temple is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and its traditions and rules are applicable to everyone,” Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran told reporters here. "The matter with regard to entry of women of all age groups is already before the Supreme Court. There will be no change in the tradition and customs," until a decision is taken by the apex court, he said.
The LDF government's stand comes after it had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court last month in which it said it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the Sabarimala temple. Meanwhile, the mandala pooja at the temple concluded with the adorning of 'Thanka Anki' on the idol of Lord Ayyappa at Sannidhanam on Monday. The poojas were led by Thanthri Kandaruru Rajeevaru and Melshanthi Unnikrishnan Nampoothiri. The temple, which closed after the poojas, will be reopened on December 30 for the Makaravilakku festival.
