Temples prohibiting entry to women
Q. Which of the following shrines do not allow women to enter or worship?
1) Haji Ali dargah
2) Lord Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
3) Lord Kartikeya Temple, Pushkar
4) Jain Temple, Ranakpur- Published on 08 Feb 16a. 1, 2, 3
b. 2, 3
c. 2, 3, 4
d. All of the above
ANSWER: All of the above
Most of the above temples cite reason of menstrual cycle to avoid women entry into the temple. Kerala’s Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala bans girls and women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entering. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple has an odd rule that it’s okay for women to pray here, but they can’t enter the temple vault to do inventory of the riches. According to legend, women entering the temple will be cursed instead of getting blessed. Entry of women in close proximity of grave of a male Muslim saint is a grievous sin in Islam told the trustees of the iconic Haji Ali Dargah to the Bombay High Court. There other temples like Shani Shingnapur where women are not allowed to worship.
