Behind mensturating women not being allowed into Sabarimala shrine there are two beliefs, one is that Sabarimala temple deity - Swami Ayyappa - is a 'Naishtika Brahmachari' or a celibate. It is this celibate nature of the deity which the temple authorities cite as a reason for not allowing women of age. Even if the apex court rules that women of any age can enter, many may not go to Sabarimala because of this belief that they may incurr the wrath of Lord Ayyappa.
Another reason is that 10- 50 years is considered, as per ancient customs, the age group for women during which they menstruate and according to Hindu traditions a woman is considered impure at this time. Hindu women generally do not enter temples when they have periods and Sabarimala temple priest had once said that they cannot check if a woman entering the temple is menstruating or not.
Why is menstruation considered unholy?
There are several belief behind this which have over the years become deep rooted in the society. According to the traditions, if a woman is in her periods then she is not supposed to enter the temple or pooja room in the house. She is supposed to keep a distance from others in the family, should not comb her hair, should not touch pickle, should not put on kajal or any type of makeup, should not enter the kitchen. In short, a woman should lead a simple life during menstruation. Well not all of these are followed in present times, some like not entering temples of touching the idols of gods in still practiced by many.
We spoke to a few women on this issue and they said that the blanket ban on the entry of women between the ages 10-50 years in the Sabarimala must be lifted, but at the same time they felt that it is not right to enter places of worship during periods.
"Women of all age groups should be allowed into Sabarimala temple. But, women should themselves decide that they must not enter the temple during periods. I would welcome the SC verdict if the ban imposed by the temple authorities is lifted," Priya (name changed), 33 year old woman from Bengaluru, told OneIndia.
When asked about Sabarimala Temple's contention that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate, Priya said, "That way even Raghavendra Swami is a Bhahmachari, but we go to Mantralaya."
Priya, however, said that she does not enter temples during her periods as it is not right. When asked who told her about it, she said, "My mother and other elder women in the family told me this when i was very young. I have been following it and see nothing wrong in it. It is not right to do pooja during periods."
A mythological tale in which many believe:
According to puranas, Lord Indra had once killed a Brahman, considered as one of the most heinous crimes in Hinduism. To get rid of this sin and earn his kingdom back he requested the presiding deities of water, trees, earth and women to take a quarter of the sin. In turn he promised that he would grant boons to all of them. This was agreed upon.
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