On Saturday at 5 pm, the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala threw its doors open for the two-month pilgrim season. On Thursday, the Supreme Court had referred the case to a larger bench to re-examine whether women could be kept out of the temple. However, it did not stay its earlier verdict that allowed women between the ages of 10 and 50 to visit it.

Unlike last year, when the Government of Kerala provided women devotees with police protection to reach the temple, it isn't in any hurry to intervene. However, it has directed the state police machinery to be extra vigilant and ensure law and order in the state is maintained. Simultaneously, the government has also sought clarity from the State Advocate General's office on the issue.