Amid heated debate on whether Makara jyoti of Lord Ayyappa shrine is celestial or manmade, the chief priest of Sabarimala temple on Sunday said the controversy was generated only to divert attention from the tragedy that killed 102 devotees.
The Kerala government on Thursday informed the state high court that it does not propose to conduct any kind of probe into the controversy related to Makara Jyothi and Makara Vilakku, in the backdrop of the Sabarimala tragedy on January 14, which claimed 102 lives.The submission in this regard was made by the government pleader before the division bench comprising Justice Thothathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice P S Gopinath when three petitions.
"Is it possible for women to trek kilometers through the forest path and stand amongst the packed crowd?"
'Hindu unity is possible without any external forces playing any role if their faith is questioned.'
''This chief minister is so obstinate that he is ready to use the police to attain his goal.' 'Had he been more mature rather than obstinate, Kerala would not have reached a boiling point.'
'The first time a ban on women aged between 10 and 50 entering Sabarimala came was in 1991 and was by a high court judgment.' 'So, it is only a 27-year-old ban.' 'The high court can fix customs and the Supreme Court can overturn it.' 'I don't see this as an attack on religious freedom or the practice of a religion.'
'It is true that we changed our opinion.' 'I feel the BJP or any other political party is guilty of not understanding the real mood of the people.'
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances