Udupi: Recently, the Supreme Court had pronounced the Sabarimala verdict, which allowed women to enter the sanctum. Based on this, there was nationwide protest by the Lord Ayyappa devotees. The devotees had urged for a review petition to be filed in the Apex court and keeping this in mind, a procession titled “Bruhat Dharmajagrati Abhiyan” was launched, here on Thursday, November 1.
The procession which began under the leadership of the Pejavar seer proceeded through Kalsanka and ended in the MGM Ground.
Around 5000 people participated in the procession.
Pontiff of Pejavar Matt Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji said, “It is not for the court, government or any administration to decide on religious practices and traditions. It is for the saints and devotees to decide. There should be a review of the decision in the Apex Court.”
“The Kerala government is using violence against the devotees. It is acting in a dictatorial manner. The decision of the women and other devotees is final. I stand for change in the tradition only if there is support from the Hindus”, he added.
Pejavar seer also said that it was he who had changed the traditions and practices concerning Dalits. He said that he would condemn the decision against the Ram Mandir and that the decision of the devotees was final.
A tableaux along with a statue of Lord Ayyappa statue and Bhajan Mandals were part of the procession. Shashikumar from the ancestral house of Pandala Raja also participated.
Shashikumar has requested the court to review the petition and provide justice to the devotees.