Young Andhra woman held near holy steps

A 32-year old woman from Andhra Pradesh climbed Sabarimala to reach Sannidhanam on Sunday in an apparent attempt to climb the 18 holy steps which is barred for menstruating women.


The woman, identified as Devi, was arrested by Sannidhanam police while she was taking rest near the aravana counter.


She was in the guise of a man, wearing a black shirt and black pants. However, she told the police that she did not step on the holy steps. She had come to Sabarimala along with her husband Naidu.


Only women below 10 years and above 50 years are allowed to climb Sabarimala. Since the Sannidhanam police station did not have any woman police official, Devi and Naidu were later taken to the Pampa police station.