Two women entered Sabarimala on Wednesday, becoming the first of ‘menstrual age’ to offer prayers at the shrine since the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages entry into the temple.

According to news reports, Bindu, 42, who was earlier a lawyer, is an assistant professor at the Thalassery Palayad School of Legal Studies under Kannur University. She is also a CPI(ML) activist

Kanakadurga, 44, is a civil supplies employee who lives in Angadipuram in Malappuram.

The two women had first attempted to enter the shrine on 24 December. They came within 500 metres of the temple, but had turn back due to protests.

According to Mathrubhumi, on Wednesday, the two women began their trek to the temple from Pampa at 1:30 am and reached the shrine at 3:30am.

“We requested for police protection when we arrived at Pampa. As per this, police had given all protection to trek the shrine,” Bindu told Mathrubhumi. She also said devotees at the shrine recognised them but did not protest.

News of their visit sent shockwaves through Kerala, which has seen a number of protests by devotees since the Supreme Court verdict.

Police have arranged for security at the homes of both the women. During their December attempt, both their houses had been surrounded by protesters.

Dozens of women have attempted to offer prayers at Sabarimala, since the Supreme Court order, but been unsuccessful due to protests by devotees.

In response to the protests, in which thousands had participated, the Kerala government on 1 January organised a ‘Women’s Wall’ stretching from the northern tip of Kerala to the south to uphold “progressive and secular” values.