Photo Gallery: Devotees throng Sabarimala as doors of temple reopen

However, in spite of the top court`s order no women in menstruating ages were able to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple when it opened last time. More than 3000 protesters have been arrested so far for instigating the violence that broke out in the state, while around 529 cases have been registered.

The Sabarimala Temple and its surrounding areas witnessed a series of protests in October over the apex court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 into the holy shrine.

The Sabarimala Temple and its surrounding areas witnessed a series of protests in October over the apex court`s decision to quash restrictions on the entry of women between the ages of 10 and 50 into the holy shrine.

For the first time, women police personnel were stationed at the doors of the temple premises as part of security arrangements. The women cops, all aged above 50, also offered prayers.

Devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning for not being allowed to leave for Pamba and Sannidhanam. They had blocked traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam'.

Devotees on Monday entered the premises of the Sabarimala Temple as it was opened for two days, amid tight security. The temple will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' scheduled to be held on Tuesday evening. The devotees of Lord Ayyappa climbed the sacred Pathinettam Padi to enter the temple to offer prayers. They had begun the trek from Nilakkal base camp to the hill shrine of Sabarimala, earlier in the day. Devotees were seen trekking up the hill while chanting hymns in praise of the deity.