In its affidavit to the Supreme Court, the state government said, "Some
scholars of ancient Kerala history say that the Sabarimala Sastha Prathishta was once a Buddhist shrine."

It went on to contend that chants recited by the worshippers to Sabarimala were synonymous to the Saranathrayam of Buddhist disciples (Budham Saranam Gachami; Dharmam Saranam Gachami; Sangham Saranam Gachami).

The affidavit said the state government has no intention to create any controversy. The state has pleaded for opening Sabarimala to women of all ages.