News for 'ayyappa'

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), managing the Sabarimala temple, argued in the Supreme Court that religious beliefs should be judged subjectively by the community, as the court hears petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places.

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.

Congress Expresses Distrust In SIT Probe Of Sabarimala Gold Misappropriation

Congress Expresses Distrust In SIT Probe Of Sabarimala Gold Misappropriation

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Congress party in Kerala has expressed a lack of faith in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, stating that a thorough investigation will be conducted if the UDF comes to power.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified the UDF's campaign for the Kerala polls, accusing the CPI(M) of stealing gold from the Sabarimala temple and questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue. He also addressed concerns about rubber prices and the FCRA amendments.

Kerala CM Vijayan Questions Rahul Gandhi's Ties to Sabarimala Gold Loss Accused

Kerala CM Vijayan Questions Rahul Gandhi's Ties to Sabarimala Gold Loss Accused

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded to Rahul Gandhi's criticism regarding the Sabarimala gold loss case, questioning Gandhi's connections to the accused and accusing him of political opportunism.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Modi-LDF Alliance in Kerala Elections

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Modi-LDF Alliance in Kerala Elections

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the Sabarimala issue to protect the interests of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, alleging a hidden alliance between the BJP and LDF.

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Kerala government of protecting CPI(M) leaders allegedly involved in the Sabarimala temple gold loss case and failing to address other issues related to the temple.

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Centre has supported the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple, arguing that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgement assumes male superiority.

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain pleas against the Kerala High Court order dismissing petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees.

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has asserted its jurisdiction to determine what constitutes a superstitious practice within a religion, during a hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi intensified the Congress campaign in Kerala, alleging collusion between the LDF and BJP, citing corruption cases and the drug issue in the state. He also criticised the LDF government's handling of the Sabarimala gold loss and unemployment.

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has commenced hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom across faiths.

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its judgements decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, arguing they were based on a subjective application of 'constitutional morality'.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

Right-Wing Groups Protest Delhi Murder, Seek Justice for Victim

Right-Wing Groups Protest Delhi Murder, Seek Justice for Victim

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Members of right-wing Hindu organisations protested in Delhi's Uttam Nagar over the killing of a 26-year-old man, demanding strict action against those responsible and support for the victim's family.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case arrested chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, sources said.

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women in religions, including the Sabarimala Temple case, starting April 7.

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the ruling Left and Congress in Kerala, raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue and accusing the Congress of aligning with hardline elements. He urged voters to choose the BJP for development and good governance.

Is a Hindu unity pitch emerging from renewed NSS-SNDP ties in Kerala?

Is a Hindu unity pitch emerging from renewed NSS-SNDP ties in Kerala?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Sukumaran Nair said he had noted Natesan's remarks and that a decision would be taken after a meeting scheduled for January 21.

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Kerala High Court denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and others accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case, citing laxity in the investigation and potential impediment to the probe if bail is granted.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

Sabarimala gold theft: CM Vijayan questions Sonia Gandhi-Potty meeting

Sabarimala gold theft: CM Vijayan questions Sonia Gandhi-Potty meeting

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has questioned Congress leaders regarding their alleged connections to the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, dismissing claims of his own involvement and demanding answers about the accused's access to Sonia Gandhi.

'Even At 75, He Maintains His Swag'

'Even At 75, He Maintains His Swag'

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

'He is a downtoearth person, never carried away by success nor brought down by failure.'

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Missing pedestal at Sabarimala found at sponsor's kin's home

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Kerala Devaswom Minister alleges a conspiracy behind the 'missing' gold-coated pedestal of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple, which was later found at a sponsor's relative's residence. The minister accuses the sponsor of staging a drama and misleading the public.

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Sabarimala gold row: Oppn seeks audit of temple assets, probe into thefts

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

A controversy surrounding the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple has ignited a political row in Kerala, with opposition parties alleging theft and demanding a comprehensive investigation into temple inventories and the role of a sponsor in the replating process.

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Kerala High Court has directed the state police to register a criminal case and launch an investigation into the misappropriation of gold from a shrine's side frames or lintels.

For A Glimpse Of Lord Ayyappa

For A Glimpse Of Lord Ayyappa

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Devotees thronged the Sabarimala shrine in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, on Tuesday, January 7, 2024 to offer prayers.

Telangana: Man booked for comments on Lord Ayyappa

Telangana: Man booked for comments on Lord Ayyappa

Rediff.com31 Dec 2022

B Naresh, was accused of making the remarks on Ayyappa and hurting the religious sentiments of the devotees and Hindus at large, while addressing a meeting in Vikarabad district on December 19, the police said.

Tension in T'gana town as atheist leader's aides, Ayyappa devotees clash

Tension in T'gana town as atheist leader's aides, Ayyappa devotees clash

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

How We Planned A Return-Gift-Free Birthday For Our Son

How We Planned A Return-Gift-Free Birthday For Our Son

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

If you ask any young parent what they dread the most about planning their child's birthday, there'd be only one answer: Planning and buying return gifts, notes Divya Nair.

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Telangana government has issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The move has been criticized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed it "appeasement politics". The BJP questioned why similar measures are not extended during Hindu festivals. The ruling Congress party defended the decision, stating that such facilities are provided during various festivals and are not unique to Ramzan.

Congress, BJP join Ayyappa devotees' protest

Congress, BJP join Ayyappa devotees' protest

Rediff.com17 Oct 2018

The base camps of Pamba and Nilackal witnessed intensified protests as the Lord Ayyappa temple opens for the five-day monthly pooja on Wednesday evening, for the first time after the landmark top court verdict.

Remembering Ayyappa Paniker

Remembering Ayyappa Paniker

Rediff.com31 Aug 2006

Sabarimala Day 2: Heavy rush at Ayyappa temple

Sabarimala Day 2: Heavy rush at Ayyappa temple

Rediff.com17 Nov 2019

The first batch of police personnel had taken charge of the security on Saturday.

VIDEO: 12-yr-old girl barred from proceeding to Ayyappa temple

VIDEO: 12-yr-old girl barred from proceeding to Ayyappa temple

Rediff.com19 Nov 2019

The age of the girl, with 'irrumudikettu' (offerings to Lord Ayyappa) had been shown as 10 in the virtual queue booking.