Sabarimala: A purification ceremony
was performed at the Lord Ayyappa temple here on Monday after a
35-year-old woman entered the shrine and offered worship in
violation of the custom barring entry of females in the age
group of 10-50.
The ceremony was performed at the 18 sacred steps, that
lead to the main temple, and near the sanctum sanctorum,
temple administration officials said tonight.
Temple tantri (traditional high priest) led the
purification ceremony, Travancore Devswom Board officials
said.
The woman identified as Saraswathi from Andhra Pradesh
managed to climb the highly-revered 18 steps, enter the temple
complex and offered worship this afternoon.
She was spoted by the Rapid Action Force personnel while
moving near Mallikapuram sub-temple in the complex.
RAF personnel handed her over the woman to local police,
who, however, let her go and did not register any case.
A controversy had broken out in 2006 after Kannada actor
of yesteryear Jayamala claimed to have entered the temple
during her prime and touched the idol of the presiding deity,
saying she was pushed into the sanctum sanctorum by the
surging crowd.
A case was registered against Jayamala and charge sheet
filed in a court last year against her in connection with her
claim but it was stayed by the Kerala High Court in October
last.
PTI
