Sannidhanam: AIG Rahul R Nair, in charge of security at Sabarimala, said that the Ayyappa devotees who come to Sabarimala during this pilgrimage should be addressed as Swami. He gave this order at the meeting of the police officers who had been called ahead of the pilgrimage.
The meeting commenced with Saranam for Lord Ayappa.
In the last Makara Vilakku season, the police were directed not to call devotees as Swami. Due to this and many other attitude of the police, Sabarimala had a tense situation during the pilgrimage.
However this time, the government and the police have not objected to the order, as the government has been given legal advice not to admit women of the particular age group in Sabarimala. The police have been advised to stop them at Pampa if they arrive.
