NEW DELHI: The debate over legality of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple 's custom barring entry of women in the 10-50 year age group saw a new twist on Thursday with the 'thantri' (main priest) asking the Supreme Court to weigh between 'Devaprasnam' (interpreting the will of the god) supporting the practice and the SC's constitutional queries on women's right to equality .

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra brushed aside Pandalam royal family's counsel K Radhakrishnan's attempt to dissuade the court from going into the legality of religious customs, which were born out of the devotion and faith of followers of a religious denomination.

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The CJI said, "We will go by the Constitution and its language. Once a temple is a public religious place, it cannot prohibit entry of women. We are dealing with the core issue of a class of women being denied on the ground of their physiological characteristics. After allowing entry, women must follow all rituals commanded by the religion or its denomination. But how can entry be stopped into a public place of worship?"

Appearing for the 'thantri', senior advocate V Giri said one went to a temple to worship and not to question the God and the religious practices of the denomination to which the temple belongs. "Has any of the petitioners filed affidavits affirming their faith and belief in Lord Ayyappa? If not, how can they question its customs? Do they believe in idol worship and the core rituals of Ayyappa temple? Do they say they want to worship there? These are essential qualifications before one seeks equality," he said.

Giri said the issue of permitting women of all ages into Sabarimala temple was subjected to 'Devaprasnam', a ritual performed by well known astrologers to answer questions pertaining to religious practices and instances where the 'thantris' are unable to take a decision.

"The results of such 'Devaprasnams' conducted in the past are documented which reveal that 'deity does not wish young women entering the temple precincts'. 'Devaprasnam' holds a revered position in determining spiritual matters of temples in Kerala," he said.

