I was in the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa in 1986: Actor-minister Jayamala

Bengaluru: Thirty two years after she claimed she entered the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa Swamy temple at Sabarimala, Minister for Kannada and Culture and Women and Child Development Jayamala hailed the Supreme Court's observations. On Wednesday, the top court said that women have the constitutional right to enter Sabarimala temple and pray like men without being discriminated against.  

The constitutional bench of five judges made several important comments on the second day of the hearing in the case over women entering the shrine. The hearing resumes on Thursday.

“Today, I am very happy. Ever since 2006  (when as a 27 year old claimed that she had accidentally touched the deity in 1986)  I have been time and again reiterating that I believe in the Constitution and judiciary, both of which have been safeguarding the interests of women. I believe in them, as much I believe in Him. I respect the saying of the Supreme Court. There cannot be a separate law for men and women. It is the same for all, and my trust in this has remained intact,” said the emotional actress turned minister.

In 2006, she had confessed that she had touched the deity by accident when she was pushed into the sanctum sanctorum by devotees who were pushing from behind. The confession created enough controversy for her during the time even as astrologers claimed that a female presence at the temple was the cause of Lord's displeasure! She faced legal proceedings for allegedly hurting religious sentiments which was eventually quashed by the court, as it was based on astrological findings.

Asked if she will visit the temple again, now that she is over 50, which is the temple's cap on menstruating women entering the shrine, Jayamala says, "I never treated it as a challenge. 'He' is my strongest belief in life with whom I share my trust with. He has blessed me with everything in my life, from being an ordinary person to rising to this level with an opportunity to serve the public. I am here because of Him. If He wishes me back, He will make sure I am there for His blessings."

Recollecting the three decade old incident, the actress turned politician explained that the purpose of her visit at that time was because she was going a rough phase  and wanted to seek Lord Ayyappa's blessing.

Celebrating the SC's observation, she said that in 1986, there was no such 'law' which prevented women from entering the temple. "I seek to know from those who question, to make aware of the law which prevented women from entering the temple back in 1986. As per my legal knowledge goes, it was a division bench of the Kerala HC that had, on April 5, 1991, upheld the restriction on women of a particular age group offering worship at the shrine," Jayamala says.

She said she is hopeful of a historical judgement on the matter which will certainly bring joy to millions of female devotees who have long been waiting to seek entry into the temple.

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