The Travancore Devaswom Board has announced that it will file a fresh affidavit opposing the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict that allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district.
Sabarimala draws devotees from across the country. Traditionally, women in the 10–50 age group were not permitted to undertake the pilgrimage, while girls below 10 and women above 50 were allowed, citing the belief that Lord Ayyappa is in a state of strict celibacy.
After the 2018 ruling, the then Left government in Kerala attempted to implement the order, triggering widespread protests by devotees and Hindu organisations. The issue intensified when two women were taken to the shrine under police protection, drawing strong objections from the temple’s chief priest.
Several parties later moved the Supreme Court seeking a review of the verdict. In the latest development, newly appointed board president Jayakumar said the board would submit its position within the March 14 deadline set by the court, stressing that the board’s stance remains unchanged and that the earlier practice should continue.
