TDB Backs Sabarimala Tradition in Court

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has said that it will continue to follow the traditional practice at the Sabarimala temple, which restricts the entry of women of menstruating age. On Monday, the Board announced that it will file an affidavit in the Supreme Court explaining its position.

The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, has for many years followed a custom that does not allow women between the ages of 10 and 50 to enter the shrine. Supporters of the practice say it is part of the temple’s long-standing religious tradition.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that women of all ages should be allowed to enter the temple. The court said that restricting women based on age was not constitutional. However, several review petitions were later filed, asking the court to reconsider its decision.

These review petitions are now being examined by the Supreme Court. The court has asked all concerned parties, including the Kerala government and the Travancore Devaswom Board, to clearly state their stand on the issue before March 14.

The TDB has now made it clear that it supports continuing the traditional practice. It said it will present its views formally before the court through an affidavit. The final decision will depend on what the Supreme Court rules after considering all arguments.