Erumely, the transit point to Sabarimala, remained peaceful on Wednesday even as Hindu devotees staged public protests at strategic points to the hill shrine.
Hundreds of women staged a protest at the Erumely Sree Dharmasastha temple auditorium singing devotional songs. The protest was organised by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti demanding steps for protecting the rituals of the Sabarimala temple.
Earlier in the day, P.C. George, MLA, visited the protesters at the venue of the agitation. Police personnel have been posted in large numbers though the area remains peaceful.
Two Christian priests, Father Geevarghese Kizhakkedath and Father Thomas Kulathungal, attended the prayer meeting at the temple. The duo had earlier joined the BJP. “Hindus are our brothers. The temple rites and rituals shall be kept intact. The Supreme Court verdict failed to take into account the fundamentals of Hindu dharma. The apex court failed to take note of the rites and rituals of the Hindus while passing the judgment,” the priests told The Hindu on the sidelines of the prayer meeting.
No court can decide on the matter of faith. It should be left to the faithful to decide, said Father Kizhakkedath.
Sasikala threat
Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K.P. Sasikala on Wednesday said the government of atheists had no right to decide on the custom and rituals of believers of Sabarimala.
If the State government continues to ignore the sentiments of Ayyappa devotees, it would be the last government in the world to be led by atheists. If the government forcibly ensures the entry of women in Sabarimala, those in the government will not be able to enter the State Assembly again.
The seats occupied by those in the government who are in favour of permitting women to the temple will be cleansed, said Ms. Sasikala.
