As Sabarimala temple opens for pilgrimage, women devotees face threats from traditionalists, protesters
As Sabarimala temple gates opened for devotees amid heavy security deployment, women devotees chose to keep away following various attempts by protestors to intimidate them.
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Heavy security was deployed at Nilakkal base camp where several protesters were detained by the police who had come to intimidate women devotees making their way to the shrine. Firstpost/TK Devasia
A woman from Andhra Pradesh had to return without visiting the temple as she was not allowed to enter. Firstpost/ TK Devasia
Members of the Ayappa Seva Sangam held protests at the base camp in Nilakkal. Firstpost/TK Devasia
Young policewomen were deployed to ensure that women devotees are protected. Firstpost/TK Devasia
Members of the Save Sabarimala forum staged a protest at the foot of the hilltop. Firstpost/TK Devasia
Several devotees arrived to protest against the Supreme Court's verdict allowing women of all ages an entry into the Sabarimala temple. 101Reporters
Members of the state Congress party held a gathering to showcase their solidarity with the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. They claimed it was not a protest. Firstpost/TK Devasia
Several reporters and journalists were present at the Nilakkal base camp as the gates for Sabarimala temple opened for pilgrimage. 101Reporters