Thiruvananthapuram: Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women of menstruating age, who visited Sabarimala on January 2, are not able to return to their homes following strong protests by Ayyapppa devotees and Hindutva groups.

Also read: After Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress proved hypocritical on Sabarimala: Ayyappa devotees

Bindu from Kozhikode and Kanakadurga from Malappuram entered the shrine with the help of police officials. The chief priest of the Sabarimala temple had closed the doors of the shrine for performing purification rites after it was confirmed that Bindu and Kanakadurga entered the temple.  

As per the latest reports, they are presently lodged in a secret place with the help of the state government. Widespread protests were witnessed all over the state following their entry into Sabarimala. The two had claimed to have also received death threats.

Earlier, on December 24, Bindu and Kanakadurga attempted to visit the shrine for the first time, but were taken back by the police due to security issues.  From that time, both said to media that they strongly believe that the police would anyway help them enter the shrine. 

Addressing the media, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the entry of the two women into Sabarimala has expressed satisfaction over the women's philosophy, and also said that this time there was no protest or demonstration as before.

The duo also said to media that they have faith in the police and expect to return home next week. Sabarimala Karma Samithi with the support of BJP had observed a hartal following the entry of the two women. These women went to the shrine through the back doors of the temple.  

Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan was accused of being a hypocrite by devotees as he took the help of police to ensure three women enter the Sabarimala shrine stealthily while getting those women arrested for entering the Vavar mosque. 

"Pinarayi Vijayan wants naxals and other criminals to enter the shrine. Thus, he made secret plans and helped three women enter the Sabarimala temple," said Amal Aravind, an Ayyappa devotee.