Nothing wrong in allowing women to Sabarimala, says Swami Satchidananda

There is nothing wrong in allowing the entry of women to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Sivagiri Madhom chief Swami Satchidananda has said.

Speaking at a function in connection with the Sivagiri pilgrimage here on Thursday, he said Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati had put forward the same suggestion years ago. The Sivagiri Madhom was still following the same suggestion.

The remarks were made in reference to reports that the Supreme Court had sought the stance of the State government on the Sabarimala women entry issue. “All regressive practices and superstitions have to be eliminated from the country. The devotees of Sree Narayana Guru should work for the goal,” he said.

The Guru’s visions have contemporary relevance as regressive practices and superstitions continued to hold sway in Kerala even today. When a young woman washed her feet in the temple pond at the Guruvayur temple, she was directed to leave in the garb of untouchability. Such practices should be eliminated, Swami Satchidananda said.

“Singer Yesudas is not allowed in the Guruvayur temple, as he is not a Hindu.” Swami Sachidananda also asked who is a better Hindu than Yesudas.

The Sivagiri Madhom chief’s response was in the presence of Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and others. He had also echoed the same opinion in the past as well.