Chennai: The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS), commenting on the recent Supreme Court judgement on the entry of women of all age groups into the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, said the sentiments of devotees cannot be ignored.
The statement, issued by RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, says: “The recent judgement on Sabarimala Devasthanam has evoked reactions all over the country. While we all respect the varied temple traditions followed by devotees in Bharat, we have to also honour the honourable Supreme Court.”
“In the case of Sabarimala Devasthanam also, it is an issue of a local temple tradition and faith to which sentiments of millions of devotees, including women, are attached. These sentiments of the devotees cannot be ignored while considering the judgement.
“Unfortunately, the Kerala government has taken steps to implement the judgement with immediate effect without taking the sentiments of the devotees into consideration. There is an obvious reaction to the same by the devotees, especially women, who are protesting against the forceful breaking of the tradition,” he adds.
Suresh Joshi calls on all stakeholders, including spiritual and community leaders, to come together to analyse and address the issue of availing of judicial options. “They must convey their concerns on their right to worship in a manner which best suits their faith and devotion, to the authorities in a peaceful manner,” he said.