Ahead of the opening of Sabrimala temple tomorrow, Hindu outfits protesting against the entry of women of menstrual age to the holy shrine have urged media houses not to send young women journalists to cover the event.
The Sabarimala temple is opening for a day on Monday, for the second time since the Supreme Court overturned a centuries-old order barring women of age 10-50 from entering the temple. The first time the temple opened after the order- from October 17 to October 22- no woman was able to successfully enter the temple despite security cover. Women journalists covering the protests were also attacked. Protesters are seeking a review of the September 28 order, allowing women of menstrual age to enter into the temple, as the presiding deity Lord Ayyapa is considered a celibate.