Mangaluru: Devotees of Ayyappa have called on people from all walks of life to forge unity in order to protect the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple.

‘Shabarimale Ulisi’ campaign was organised under the aegis of Ayyappa Swamy Seva Samiti at Kadri grounds in the city on October 9, Tuesday.

Leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP), the Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindu outfits participated in the campaign.

The leaders of the outfits have urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its order on allowing women aged between 10 and 50 years of age to enter the Sabarimala temple. Later, the Ayyappa devotees went on a procession from the Kadri grounds to the Kadri Sri Manjunatha temple.

VHP Prant working president Prof M B Puranik said, the tradition of disallowing women into the temple was followed since time immemorial. The tradition was never broken before. The sanctity of the temple should be protected, Puranik asserted.

RSS Prant Saha Karyanirvahak Prakash B S said, efforts are underway to dilute the temple’s traditions to weaken the unity among Hindus. Prakash said a signature campaign urging apex court to reconsider its decision has been launched. Ayyappa devotee Seethamma said, it was the duty of Hindus to follow their religious practices.

VHP District President Jagadish Shenava, VHP Vibhagiya Karyadarshi Sharan Pumpwell, Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader Kishore Kumar, Sri Mangaladevi Temple managing trustee Ramanath Hegde, Ayyappa devotee Sheshappa Guruswamy, Nayar community leader Murali among others were present.