Entry of women in Sabarimala Temple

2 Jan 2019

Entry of women in Sabarimala Temple

Entry of women in Sabarimala TempleSabarimala Temple

Sabarimala Temple is located in Kerala, India. The temple hosts deity Lord Ayyappa.
 	In a judgement of High Court in 1991, the Sabarimala temple was closed for women of “menstruating age” i.e 10 to 50 years of age.
 	In September 2018, Supreme Court lifted the ban on women to enter the shrine.
 	It took the view that the ban on women was against the right of equality and freedom of religion. Therefore it violated Constitution of India.
 	After Supreme Court order, several attempts have been made by women to enter the Shrine, however they have been attacked and not allowed to enter.
 	Petitions are pending in Supreme Court to reconsider the earlier decision.

35-50 Lakh women formed Kerala Women’s Wall on 1st January 2019

In a protest against the ongoing tussle with followers of Lord Ayyappa, who believe women between 10 and 50 years of age should not enter the temple, around 35-50 Lakh women formed a Chain to register their protest
 	This is the largest protest by women in the world history
 	Government of Kerala has been supportive of the Supreme Court judgement and also of Kerala Women Wall.

2 Women entered Sabarimala Temple on 2nd January 2019

On 2nd January 2019, two women, under the age of 50, entered the temple.
 	They started trekking the hill at 1.30 am and reached the temple at around 3.45 am. With the help from police, they could see the deity.
 	This is a historical step. Many organisations have come in support of these women and many protestors have increased their protest.
 	Further the temple management decided to conduct ritual of “purifying” the temple

There have been several arguments against entry of women

One such argument has been that Lord Ayyappan imposed restrictions on women’s entry as he wanted to be a Celibate (unmarried/ unwed).
 	Some treat women to be impure during menstruation period therefore abstain them from entering the premises.
 	Some of the political parties have also argued that the matter should be decided by religious establishment i.e. Sabarimala Temple Management. Further Supreme Court or state bodies do not have the right to decide on this matter.

This is a complex matter for the Courts and the Law Enforcement bodies. We will keep our curious readers updated. We are happy to receive your views on the matter. Write to us at hello@curioustimes.in.

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Sabarimala Temple Sabarimala Temple is located in Kerala, India. The temple hosts deity Lord Ayyappa. In a judgement of High Court in 1991, the Sabarimala […]

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