Govt keen on spl pilgrim season for women: Sudhakaran

Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 (UNI) Kerala Devaswom Minister G Sudhakaran today said there were suggestions from a section of the devotees to begin a special season at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple, particularly for women.

Responding to questions from Mr K Sivadasan Nair (Cong) and others, he told the Assembly that the government had evidence that women of all ages were allowed to visit Sabarimala and worship Lord Ayyappa in the past.

Mr Sudhakaran said the government's stand was to continue with the old practice and it was not a good procedure to deny the freedom of worship to a section of women. All women, who belong to Hindu religion and other believers, should be allowed to visit the shrine, he added.

The government in an affidavit was urged the Supreme Court to constitute a Commission with Hindu scholars and social reformers as its members to decide on permitting women between the age group of 10-50, who were presently barred from visiting the holy shrine.

UNI