Why does Sabarimala not allow women from the age 10-50 to enter the premises?
Sabarimala allows women. Millions of women visit Sabarimala every year. But, before the age of 10 and after the age of 50.
Sabarimala doesn’t distinguish people on the base of religion unlike other temples in Kerala.
But, there is a restriction for ladies between 10 and 50.
It is not related to menstruation. Because I have seen girls menstruated before 10 and some ladies’ periods doesn’t stop before 50. So.. its not related to menstruation.
Sabarimala is not a 24 x 7 and 365 days temple. It is opened for a very few days only. And every devotee visiting Ayyappa shrine are called as Ayyappa and they all have to wear the same kind of clothing - Black dhoti with no shirt. This uniformity in devotees is a specialty of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and no one questions it. Everyone should have same kind of bag (its actually not a commercial bag that we see around - but a cloth bag ) and hence the rich, poor, middle class - everyone looks the same. No distinction at all.
Before entering Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, there is another temple where the devotees go. its the temple for a goddess - Malikappurathamma. Malikappurathamma loved Ayyappan and wanted to marry him. But, Ayyappan said - “I have already decided to be a Naishtika brahmachaari. So I’ll not be able to marry you. But, If there is a time when Kanni Ayyappans (First Time Sabarimala Visitors) stop coming to visit me, then at that time, I’ll marry you.” Till, then, Ayyappan did not want young women to come and see him. Because of the love and care he had for Malikappurathamma, this decision is taken. And the tradition is carried out for 1000s of years.
I think we should celebrate the love and romance of Malikappurathamma and Ayyappan than condemning the traditions, rituals and all.
Most of the reasons or arguments that people spread now a days are just attempts to find justifications. Anyone who are brought up in conservative Hindu Society knows how Hindu rituals and temple access are related to woman
As per Hindu beleifs in Kerala, woman should not enter the temples during their menstruation period. Even they should nt take part in rituals. Only after 7 days she should be entering temples. First 3 days menstruating woman are segragated from touching any one in family. If she touches a family member , then he/should take bath and wash clothes and should nt touch any material related to ritual. This practice is still prevalent in some Hindu families.
Devotee in Sabarimala pilgramage observe 41 day ''vritham'' ..41 day pious observance Including visiting temple , celibacy and strict vegetarianism. Since a woman in menstruation has no place in Religious rituals, she cant take 41 day vritham.
In other words, what is seen in Sabarimala, is just a reflection of taboo on menstruation on women which is really irrelevant in Modern Progressive Society. It is infact prevalant in existing Hindu beleif system of Kerala but clearly evident with Sabarimala!!!!
Some of the claims which are put forward by Hindu fundamentalists are trying to cover above fact.
1.Bramhacharyam:
One Such claim is bramcharyam: Life long celebacy of Ayyappa. It is beleived Lord Ayyappa is unmarried. In mythology Malikapurathilamma fell in love with him and wanted to marry him.But he denied saying he will marry her only when there is no first- time devotee(devotee visiting Sabarimala for first time). Since then Godess Malikapurathamma has been Waiting for him.
This cannot be seen as reason for denying woman to visit temple. Because celibacy or brahmacharya does nt imply some one cannot meet woman. If yes how Malikapurathamma is also worshipped in Sabarimala .???
Next if devotee of Ayyappa cannot have presence of woman, will imply he is only viewing woman as sex symbol!!In other words it is sexism in thoughts not divinity.
2.Sabarimala has never accepted entry of woman in Past..
Some one claiming this should first know when was it ,all Hindus irrespective of caste allowed to enter temples in Kerala.
Until 1936, Lower Caste Hindus were not allowed to enter any Temple in Travancore(1947 for Malabar)
3. Safety of woman.
This is illogical. If safety is concern, Why should kids less than 10 year old and aged women (more than 50 year old) be allowed?Also why there is no safety.concern for men..?
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