SABARIMALA: A group of policemen assigned to duty at Sabarimala has come under scrutiny after a controversial group photo taken at the temple’s sacred 18 steps went viral on social media. The Sannidhanam Police Special Officer, acting on instructions from ADGP S. Sreejith, who oversees Sabarimala security, has issued a show-cause notice to the officers involved. Disciplinary action is expected.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon after the temple closed at 1 pm. Around 30 policemen, part of the first batch deployed at Sannidhanam, posed for a photo spanning the 18 steps. They were relieved from their duties on Monday morning. The move sparked outrage, with allegations of violating temple customs gaining traction after the photo circulated widely online.

The controversy intensified as prominent organizations, including the Hindu Aikya Vedi, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti and Achara Samrakshana Samiti, condemned the act as a breach of Sabarimala’s customs. These groups emphasized that the Pathinettampadi (18 steps) is sacred, akin to the sanctum sanctorum and highlighted strict traditions associated with it.

The 18 steps are regarded as a divine symbol of devotion and strict protocols govern who may climb them and under what conditions. Only those wearing the traditional two-headed turban are allowed to ascend the steps, with an exception made for representatives of the Pandalam royal family. Even senior temple priests, including the melshanthi and the tantri, do not turn their backs to the steps during rituals.

The VHP has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court, seeking action against the policemen for violating the sanctity of the temple premises. Following the incident, Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan submitted a report to the High Court after consulting ADGP Sreejith.

The incident has reignited discussions on the need for stricter enforcement of rules at Sabarimala, especially during the pilgrimage season. Photography is strictly prohibited in the sanctum sanctorum, but instances of devotees violating this rule persist. Critics argue that such lapses undermine the spiritual and cultural sanctity of the shrine.