Lord Ayyappan love all devoteess irrespective of caste creed and relgion. I may humbly rquest to publish the following letter in the "letters to the editor" column after necessary editing.
I am writng this not to just add fire to the controversy now prevailing. Let wisdom overtake emotions among devotees at this time.
This is the only temple in India where religiuos harmony is prevaling.
It is most unfortunate that cinema actress Jayamala's reported revelation that she had touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple when she was 27, has sparked a controversy al over India. All medias are giving due importance to this. It is customary that women between the age-group of 10-50 are not allowed inside the Sabarimala temple. This custom is being practiced considering the celibacy of the God Ayyappa.
This Sabarimala temple is situated atop a hill in Kerala and houses a bachelor God called Ayyappa. It is purported that around the 14th of January, every year, a celestial fire - a Jyothi with healing powers - glows in the sky near the Sabarimala shrine. A controversy exists for this also.
