Viral Video Claiming Rule Breach at Sabarimala Is False
Sabarimala is one of India’s most prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in Kerala and dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Known for its rigorous pilgrimage practices and strict vows, the temple attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season (November to January), when the temple remains open for worship. The unique rituals and traditions of Sabarimala distinguish it from other temples across India.
Traditionally, women between the ages of 10 and 50 were not permitted to enter the Sabarimala temple. In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment allowing entry to all devotees regardless of gender. However, the Kerala government has exercised caution in implementing the verdict, citing the sentiments of devotees.
The Viral Claim
In this context, a video circulating widely on social media claims to show policewomen stationed inside the Ayyappa Swamy Temple at Sabarimala. The video features three young women in police uniforms walking through a crowded pilgrim route and climbing temple steps. The accompanying caption alleges that the “Kerala communist government is breaking Ayyappa temple rules by allowing young women inside the temple.”
Fact Check Findings
Our investigation reveals that the claim is false. The video does not show policewomen inside the Sabarimala (Sannidhanam) temple complex. Instead, it depicts women police officers deployed at Pamba, a key base camp for pilgrims.
Pamba is a spiritually significant river valley where pilgrims bathe in the holy Pamba River, worship at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, and begin their trek to Sabarimala. Women police officers are officially deployed up to Pamba to assist pilgrims, but not beyond that point.
To verify this, we contacted police officials stationed at Sannidhanam. Special Duty Sub-Inspector Saju clarified:
“Women police officers and forest officials are deployed only up to Pamba. There are no women officials beyond that point. The video shows the Pamba Ganapathy Temple area, not Sannidhanam. Hence, the claim made in the video is incorrect.”
Further verification shows that the temple and steps seen in the video match the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, which is approximately 4 km from the Ayyappa Temple. Comparisons with images and videos uploaded to Google Maps also confirm that the surroundings in the viral clip correspond to the Pamba area.
Conclusion
The claim that the viral video shows policewomen inside the Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple is false. The video clearly shows women police officers on duty at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, where their deployment is permitted and routine.
Verdict: False Claim