Sabarimala, Nov 6: Tension prevailed at Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday when a family including three women reached here for Darshan even as devotees blocked their entry into the temple suspecting that they are below 50 age group.
Hundreds of devotees opposed the police who escorted the women, identified as Ms Lalitha, Ms Girija and Ms Sujata, hailing from Thrissur district.
Later, the police verified their identity cards and confirmed that they are above 50 age group. Police also held discussion with the representatives of agitating devotees and RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri.
Thereafter, the devotees allowed the three women to enter the temple for Darshan and in a similar way a few women from Andhra Pradesh were also allowed to have darshan.
Talking to newspersons here, Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar said 'the government was not interfering in Board's affairs. The Board is not acting under the Government direction', he added.
Meanwhile, Anjana (30) hailing from Cherthala, who came for Darshan, was sent back following protest from pilgrims.
She came with her two children and husband, Vijith, brother of a CPI(M) leader in Cherthala, who had allegedly insisted her for the temple visit.
The temple, opened on Monday at 1700 hrs was closed at 2200 hrs last night. It has been opened today at 0400 hrs for a single-day Poojas. The temple will be closed at 2200 hrs tonight.
Later, for the two-month long annual festival, the temple will be opened again on November 16.
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