The Ayyappa awaits: Sabarimala supreme's sanctum nears Supreme Court's final verdict
Times of India
by RAJEEV SINGHFebruary 25, 2026
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Before dawn breaks over the dense forests of Pathanamthitta, devotees of Lord Ayyappa embark on a sacred journey to the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple. For these pilgrims, the trek is not merely a tourist activity but a spiritual discipline, marked by 41 days of vratha (penance) and chanting the name of Ayyappa as they climb the temple's 18 sacred steps. However, this centuries-old tradition is now under intense scrutiny following a landmark Supreme Court decision that sparked nationwide debate over gender equality and religious freedom.
The controversy centers on the temple's restriction barring women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entering its sanctum. Proponents argue it is rooted in Ayyappa’s status as an eternal celibate, while critics claim it is a form of gender discrimination disguised as custom. In September 2018, a five-judge bench ruled 4-1 in favor of women's entry, citing constitutional violations of equality (Article 14) and freedom of religion (Article 25). The dissenting judge, Justice Indu Malhotra, warned that courts must tread carefully when interfering with religious practices, particularly those deeply ingrained in a community’s faith.
The legal battle began in 1990 when the Indian Young Lawyers Association challenged the ban, arguing it violated constitutional guarantees of equality. After years of legal arguments and counterarguments, the Supreme Court’s verdict reignited passions across India. While some celebrated the ruling as a victory for gender equality, others viewed it as an unwarranted intrusion into matters of faith. The temple remains at the center of this clash between secular law and religious tradition,
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026