2 women defy centuries-old ban by entering Indian temple

KOCHI/NEW DELHI— Two women defied a centuries-old ban on entering a Hindu temple in India’s state of Kerala in the early hours of Wednesday, the state’s chief minister said, raising fears of a backlash from conservative Hindu groups. The women, reported to be in their 40s, entered the premises of the Sabarimala hill temple, defying local tradition that bars women of menstruating age—between the ages of 10 and 50. Conservative Hindu groups say they believe women of menstruating age would defile the temple’s inner shrine. News channels reported the chief priest closed the temple for “purification” rituals.