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Sabarimala Temple

GoodbyeDave

Well-Known Member
What do people think about this?
Clashes Blocking Women From Temple in India Bring Over 2,000 Arrests

I'm not happy with the idea that a court, or even a constitution, should be regulating religious practices. But is the temple's ban justified? On what is it based?

It strikes me that there is something missing in Hinduism today (unless I'm just ignorant, which is entirely possible) — a mechanism for consulting gods about what they want us to do. India used to have oracles, as we did in ancient Greece, but they seem to have died out. And does no-one practice divination, or has it been displaced by the ubiquity of astrology?
 

ajay0

Well-Known Member
What do people think about this?
Clashes Blocking Women From Temple in India Bring Over 2,000 Arrests

I'm not happy with the idea that a court, or even a constitution, should be regulating religious practices. But is the temple's ban justified? On what is it based?

It strikes me that there is something missing in Hinduism today (unless I'm just ignorant, which is entirely possible) — a mechanism for consulting gods about what they want us to do. India used to have oracles, as we did in ancient Greece, but they seem to have died out. And does no-one practice divination, or has it been displaced by the ubiquity of astrology?

The ban is on women between the age group of 10 to 50. Girls of 10 and below and women older than 50 can access this temple for prayers.

The idea is to inculcate the practice of strict celibacy in youth and men, which is part of the 40 day prior strenuous and spartan regimen necessary for coming to the temple, which is on top of a mountain.

It is perhaps for this reason that women belonging to the age group of 10 to 50 were forbidden from entering.

I have been reading updates of this issue, and any violence on this issue is stupid and counters the teachings of nonviolence or ahimsa.
 

Shrew

Active Member
Don't mothers especially need the protection and blessings of the deity?
So why not allow them to have darshan?
 

Viraja

Jaya Jagannatha!
I like what ajay has written above. I sound old-style and orthodox, but I dislike the idea of revolting against the beliefs of millions in trying to enter a temple meant for the mankind and for women who are not in the menstruating age group.

The puzzle is that no one is able to find out what is wrong with menstruation and Hindu prayers... it is known by every practicing Hindu, that a woman during her menstrual cycles, cannot recite hymns or propitiate any Hindu god.

In this temple, all women of this age group are barred from entering the temple. Although sounding a bit extreme, it has been the norm.

But one thing to be noted, is that women of the same age group can personally worship Lord Aiyappa at their household, and no one is barred. I believe Lord Aiyappan to be married, too.

Just that this temple is this way.
 

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
What do people think about this?
Clashes Blocking Women From Temple in India Bring Over 2,000 Arrests

I'm not happy with the idea that a court, or even a constitution, should be regulating religious practices. But is the temple's ban justified? On what is it based?

It strikes me that there is something missing in Hinduism today (unless I'm just ignorant, which is entirely possible) — a mechanism for consulting gods about what they want us to do. India used to have oracles, as we did in ancient Greece, but they seem to have died out. And does no-one practice divination, or has it been displaced by the ubiquity of astrology?
I support the opening up of the temple to all women and condemn the violence.
 

George-ananda

Advaita Vedanta, Theosophy, Spiritualism
Premium Member
Not too familiar with this but my thought is that a temple should be allowed to have such rules without any government involvement.
 

Aupmanyav

Be your own guru
But is the temple's ban justified? On what is it based?
It strikes me that there is something missing in Hinduism today (unless I'm just ignorant, which is entirely possible) ..
That is because you are not aware of the situation in India. The ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party - a Hindu inclined party) has helped entry of women in Muslim shrines. They cannot oppose entry of women in Sabarimala too. The Supreme Court has rejected the rule as discriminatory. Majority of Hindus have no problem with women entering Sabarimala temple (Women devotees themselves will do what they do at other temples for the menstrual periods). But for the local political situation:

Kerala has been ruled by Communist Parties of India (CPI) and Indian National Congress (Nehru dynasty - INC) alternatively. the Hindu party hardly has any presence there. Kerala is now the only state ruled by Communists in India (previously they were ruling in West Bengal and Tripura too).

Total seats in Kerala legislature: 140 .......... Kerala religious demography: 54.5% Hindus, 27% Christians and 18.5% Muslims.
Ruling group 91
: CPI-Marxist 58, CPI 19, Others supporting the ruling group: 14
Opposition 46: INC 22, Indian Union Muslim League 17, Others in opposition: 7
Others 2: BJP 1, Independent 1, Vacant 1

BJP wants to improve its tally in Kerala. Methods are no problem, all is fair in love and war - therefore, the Sabarimala situation. Christians and Muslims will never vote for BJP. At the moment, the Hindu vote either goes to CPI or INC. If BJP can garner something like 33% Hindu vote in Kerala, then they can compete with their Communist or INC rivals, and perhaps get a few seats in the National Parliament when the general elections are held in May 2019 to help Prime Minister Narendera Modi retain power for another five years. Sabarimala situation has nothing to do with Hinduism. It is pure and simple politics.
 
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GoodbyeDave

Well-Known Member
The puzzle is that no one is able to find out what is wrong with menstruation and Hindu prayers... it is known by every practicing Hindu, that a woman during her menstrual cycles, cannot recite hymns or propitiate any Hindu god.
Is there any evidence for the antiquity of this custom? Could it be due to Muslim influence?
 

Aupmanyav

Be your own guru
The puzzle is that no one is able to find out what is wrong with menstruation and Hindu prayers... it is known by every practicing Hindu, that a woman during her menstrual cycles, cannot recite hymns or propitiate any Hindu god.
Nothing wrong. Kamkhya's menstruation is celebrated. It is more of a fun time and rest time. No work to be done in the house, the mother-in-law will take care of it. No demands from the husband. Just gossip around.
Is there any evidence for the antiquity of this custom? Could it be due to Muslim influence?
It is traditional and certainly no Muslim influence.Tradition incorporated in 'dharma shastras' at a later times.
 

jien57908

Member
Then who will justify or make decision about where should women enter and where not? I do not think that it is mentioned anywhere in the Vedas, Purana to banned women's entrance in the temple.
 
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