Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) president’s remarks that Sabarimala’s ‘sanctity’ should be preserved at any cost and that it can’t be allowed to be turned into a place of ‘sex-tourism’ witnessed in Thailand has kicked up a huge controversy.

The Supreme Court of India recently transferred to a Constitution Bench the case relating to permitting girls/women of 10-50 years of age into Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, a move which has been welcomed by the Govt. of Kerala.  State Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister Surendran had remarked that there should be no denial for women to enter any temple.

“We haven’t changed our stance in this regard and might file more documents with the Supreme Court, if the need arises,” Surendran had said.  TDB president Priar Gopalakrishnan, who had earlier remarked controversially stating that women’s menses state can’t be checked using any equipment, has joined the issue again with yet another controversial remark.

“Sabarimala Temple is an archaic temple which has its own unique identity.  Allowing women when the crowds throng the sanctum sanctorum would create many problems which would be difficult to control; their safety and security can’t be guaranteed and there are also chance of ‘unwanted’ things occurring about which we don’t want to elaborate.

“We don’t want to convert Sabarimala Temple like the ‘sex-tourism’ temples of Thailand. I don’t think women who have self-esteem would attempt entering the temple even if the apex Court permits their entry into the temple,” Gopalakrishnan said. Surendran was quick to object to his remarks and said it was a stupid comparison by the TDB president.

“He has demeaned women and the temple as well for which he should tender an open apology,” the Minister remarked.