The Travancore Devaswom Board, and the other Respondents have asserted that the followers of the Sabarimala Temple constitute a religious denomination having a distinct faith, well- identified practises, being followed since time immemorial. The worshippers of this shrine observe the tenets of this faith, and are addressed as “Ayyappans.” The Notifications issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board in 1955 and 1956 refer to the devotees of the Sabarimala Temple as “Ayyappans”. Given the identical phraseology, only the Notification dated November 27, 1956 is set out herein below for ready reference: “
NOTIFICATION
In accordance with the fundamental principles underlying the Prathishta (installation) of the venerable holy and ancient temple of Sabarimala, Ayyappans who had not observed the usual vows as well as women who had attained maturity were not in the habit of entering the above mentioned temple for Darsan (worship) by stepping the Pathinettampadi. But of late, there seems to have been a deviation from this custom and practise. In order to maintain the sanctity and dignity of this great temple and keep up the past traditions, it is hereby notified that Ayyappans who do not observe the usual Vritham (vows) are prohibited from entering the temple by stepping the pathinettampadi and women between the ages of ten and fifty five are forbidden from entering the temple. Ambalapuzha 27-11-‘56 Assistant Devaswon Commissioner.” (Emphasis supplied) The worshippers of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala Temple together constitute a religious denomination, or sect thereof, as the case maybe, follow a common faith, and have common beliefs and practises. These beliefs and practises are based on the belief that Lord Ayyappa has manifested himself in the form of a ‘Naishtik
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