Sabarimala Isn’t the Only Temple That Bans the Entry of Women

Regardless of region or religion, there are institutions which propagate discriminatory practices against women.

Hindu pilgrims queue outside the Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers to the Hindu deity Ayappa in Kerala. (Photo: Reuters)

Does a woman deserve an equal right to worship? When the Supreme Court questioned Sabrimala temple’s policy of not allowing women of menstrual age to enter the temple, it sparked a nationwide debate on whether places of religion should be allowed to take a swipe at a woman’s constitutional right to freedom.

Some are arguing that every temple has its own “pratistha or idol concept”, and its rules and regulations are specifically created for this.

Others have said that this differential policy does not necessarily mean its discriminatory. Rahul Easwar, a pro-Hindu writer has pointed out that there are hundreds of Ayyappa temples which don’t have this restrictive practice against women, and that Attukal Bhagavathy, the Sabarimala exclusive to women, even holds a Guinness world record for organising the largest congregation of women on earth – about 30 lakh women.

Indeed, the debate is nuanced. But that doesn’t discount the fact that in this day and age, regardless of region or religion, there are institutions that propagate discriminatory practices against women. Here are some of them.

The Kamakhya temple, named after the menstruating Goddess Kamakhya Devi, does not allow women on their periods to enter the temple.

The restriction on women’s entry inside Haji Ali dargah came into effect in 2011-2012. The Bombay High Court is hearing a plea challenging the ban.

Women’s entry is banned in the Padmanabha Swamy temple’s inner sanctum.

This Jain shrine prohibits the entry of menstruating women, and also asks women to cover their legs when they are inside the shrine.

The Nizamuddin dargah in New Delhi does not allow women inside the inner sanctum, and asks them to stay confined to the periphery.

Women are not allowed to enter the main area of worship, the core of the shrine.

Sabrimala may have started the debate, but it is sure to rage on. It remains to be seen what the Supreme Court’s final verdict, which is due in a few weeks, will have to say.