Sabarimala entry row: Unprecedented protests force two women to return after failed bid to enter shrine

An entry point near the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on Friday virtually turned into an area of confrontation after two women of menstruating age attempted to enter the hill shrine. Click to see photos.

An entry point near the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on 19 October 2018 virtually turned into an area of confrontation after two women of menstruating age attempted to enter the hill shrine. When the women reached the Nadapanathal, 500 metres away fr 

Rehana Fatima, an Ernakulam-based activist, said that she was forced to return as she was given no other alternative. She reiterated amid protests that she wanted to visit the shrine as a devotee. Devaswom Minister Kadakkampilly Surendran said that activists would not be allowed to use the temple as a 'place for activism'. Fatima's house was vandalised by a mob in Ernakulam and the police have begun a probe. (see right). (Photos | BP Deepu/ EPS and ANI/ Twitter)

Seen here is Mojo TV journalist Kavitha from Hyderabad who had to return under police protection from the Nadapanthal of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam after a failed bid to enter the shrine. She was wearing riot gear including a helmet initially and later changed to the traditional black attire. (Photos | BP Deepu/ EPS

The two young women had reached three-fourths of the distance to the shrine, which is in itself a first. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)

Aides of the temple's chief priest are seen at the foot of the 18 steps of the hill shrine protesting against the two women who attempted to enter Sabarimala hill shrine on October 19, 2018. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)

The Panthalam royal family after having talks with the Sabarimala temple's chief priest and tantri stated that if any of the customs were found to have been violated, a purification ritual would be performed. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)

Activist Rehana Fathima And Kavitha returning from Sabarimala Sannidhanam following devotees' protest on Friday. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)

46-year-old Mary Sweety from Sharjah was forced to return midway after she requested entry into the shrine. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)

The Devaswom Board said it will not issue a review petition against the SC verdict to allow women of all ages into the hill shrine. (Photo | BP Deepu/ EPS)