Photo Of Cops Breaking Sabarimala Temple Traditions Goes Viral; Inquiry Ordered

The photograph of Kerala policemen in uniform standing on the hallowed 18 steps of the famed Sabarimala temple has gone viral and led to controversy, since this is a gross violation of the temple traditions. 

(Photo Credit: IANS) Photo Of Cops Breaking Sabarimala Temple Traditions Goes Viral

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Following louder cries from devotees, a top Kerala Police official sought a report on this 'violation' for action. 

Taken on Saturday, the picture features about 28 policemen in uniform with their backs turned to the sanctum sanctorum that would, according to customs and tradition, be in the eyes of devotees and believers of Lord Ayyappa-the deity of the temple-an optically gross violation.

This image is said to have been shot after the doors of the famous temple were closed in the afternoon, which is done daily. 

Incidentally, even the temple priests descend the 18 steps with their face pointing towards the sanctum sanctorum. 

The policemen were supposed to be controlling the off-moved masses of devotees and facilitate their darshan. 

Incidentally, the two-month-long festival season at the temple opened on November 16, and in order to regulate devotees, darshan was allowed for 70,000 pilgrims each day, and this happened by online booking.

Sabarimala temple, located at an altitude of 3000 feet amidst the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, can be reached four kilometers uphill from Pamba in Pathanamthitta district, around 100 km north of the capital of the state.

This temple, which forbids entry to women who have attained puberty, can only be accessed on foot from the river Pamba.

Normally a pilgrim will undergo 41 days of rigorous penance before going to the holy shrine where he doesn't wear anything on his feet, wears a black dhoti, and is strict with vegetarian food.

Each pilgrim brings lrumudi along with him on his head, which is a prayer bundle containing coconuts that are broken just before climbing the eighteen steps. 

Without it, no one may set foot on the holy eighteen steps at Sannidhanam. 

Incidentally, there is the Sabarimala Bench in Kerala High Court that takes care of all issues pertaining to temples.

All eyes now focus on the report that a top officer will look into the violation by cops and if there is going to be any action against them.