Pamba:Group of 11 women,  below the age of 50 tried to trek the hilltop shrine Lord Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, even as devotees protested against the move on Sunday morning.

The  tension prevailed at Pamba as a group of 11 women, below the age of 50 years attempted to trek  through the traditional forest path about five kilometres from the temple complex. However, they could not go forward as devotees started 'namajapa' (chanting of hymns of the lord) protest against them.

Women, in the age group of 10-50 years are traditionally not allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple. But on September 28 the Supreme Court lifted the curb and permitted women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

The women, members of the Chennai-based "Manithi" outfit, are now squatting on the road. Police have thrown a security ring around them. As per the reports, Of the 11 women, six carried the traditional irumudikettu which is mandatory to climb the 'pathinettam padi' (holy steps leading to sanctum sanctorum).

One of the member of the group said "We will continue the protest till we can visit the temple and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. Police asked us to go back, citing security reasons. But we will not go," Thilakavathi.