Know about Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala and Sabarimala Verdict

In September 28th 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that women of all age groups can enter Sabarimala temple.

The court ruled thus as stated below

We have no hesitation in saying that such an exclusionary practise violates the right of women to visit and enter a temple to freely practise the Hindu religion and to exhibit her devotion towards Lord Ayyappa. The denial of this right to women significantly denudes them of their right to worship.

The verdict was passed with a 4-1 majority, where Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A. M. Khanwilkar, R. F. Nariman and D. Y. Chandrachud favoured permitting women to enter the temple, while Justice Indu Malhotra dissented. Indu Malhotra said that every individual should be allowed to practice their faith irrespective of whether the practise is rational or logical. The Supreme Court observed that the custom of barring women was in violation of Article 25 (Clause 1) and Rule 3(b) of Kerala Hindu Places of Worship. The petition that led to this verdict was filed by the Indian Young Lawyers Association.

Kerala women protesting against Sabarimala Verdict

Even after the Sabarimala Verdict, thousands still protesting the verdict.
Reason of their protest as per the devotees of Lord Ayyappa:

"One has to observe celibacy for 41 days before having 'darshan' of Shri Ayyappa Swami.
It is not possible for keeping such observance for women in the age group of 10 to 50 years (their reproductive phase) and therefore, they are prohibited to enter Sabarimala temple."