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Fact Check
The video shows policewomen stationed at the Ayyappa Swamy Temple, even though girls and women of menstruating age are traditionally not allowed entry into the temple.
The claim is false. The video shows policewomen on duty at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, not the Ayyappa Swamy Temple.
A video is going viral on social media with the claim that it shows policewomen stationed at the Ayyappa Swamy Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala. Traditionally, the entry of girls and women of menstruating age has not been permitted at the temple.
The caption accompanying the video states that the “Kerala communist government is breaking Ayyappa Temple rules by allowing young women inside the temple.”
Claim Post:
Instagram Reel
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Sabarimala PRO Sunil Arumanoor told Newschecker that no policewomen are stationed inside the Ayyappa Temple. “This video shows the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, which is a gateway to the Ayyappa temple. This temple is about 4km away. Women and girls are allowed there throughout the year. Policewomen are posted there. There are no policewomen on duty inside the Ayyappa temple. Women are allowed only up to the check post.”
A YouTube video uploaded by SV Tourism on January 9, 2023, clearly shows the Pamba Ganapathy Temple. The steps and temple structure visible in the tourism video match exactly with those seen in the viral clip, including the staircase the policewomen descend at the beginning.
Source:
YouTube – Pamba Ganapathy Temple (SV Tourism)
We also examined images and videos uploaded by users on Google Maps for the Pamba Ganapathy Temple. Several visuals show the same temple architecture and surroundings seen in the viral video.
Source:
Google Maps – Pamba Ganapathy Temple
Pamba Ganapathy Temple is located near Pamba, about 4km from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. It acts as a gateway temple for pilgrims and is open to devotees of all genders throughout the year. Policewomen are routinely deployed here as part of standard security arrangements.
In contrast, no policewomen are posted inside the Ayyappa Swamy Temple, and women are permitted only up to designated checkpoints during the pilgrimage season. Confusing the two locations has led to the spread of this misleading claim.
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The viral video does not show policewomen stationed inside the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. It was filmed at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, where women are allowed and policewomen are officially deployed.
FAQs
1. Does the viral video show policewomen inside Sabarimala Temple?
No. The video was recorded at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple, not the Ayyappa Swamy Temple.
2. Are women allowed at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple?
Yes. Women and girls are allowed at the Pamba Ganapathy Temple throughout the year.
3. Are policewomen posted inside the Ayyappa Swamy Temple?
No. According to the Sabarimala PRO, there are no policewomen stationed inside the Ayyappa Temple.
4. Why is the video misleading?
The video falsely claims to show Sabarimala Temple but actually depicts a different temple nearby, leading to incorrect conclusions.
5. How far is Pamba Ganapathy Temple from Sabarimala?
It is located approximately 4km away and serves as a gateway temple for pilgrims.
Sources
Statement from Sabarimala PRO Sunil Arumanoor
SV Tourism YouTube video on Pamba Ganapathy Temple – January 9, 2023
Google Maps user-uploaded images and videos of Pamba Ganapathy Temple
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