Sabarimala Verdict: Is it a Boon or a Bane?

Sabarimala is one of the holiest places of worship for Hindus. Lord Ayyappa is the main deity here. With an astounding history of 800 years, Sabarimala temple is the oldest temple in Kerala. The supreme court case for the entry of Women in the temple started two decades ago. The case explicitly divulges the chasm between the faith of the millions of devotees and the law which sees the centuries-old traditions and belief as discrimination.

According to the Temple board, Since Lord Ayyappa stays in a (celibate) ‘Naishtika Brahmachari’ form at this temple, he has the right of privacy in his temple. This is the only reason for restricting women’s (10 to 50 years) entry. The justice panel members who said yes for the entry of women expressed that the women are subject to their own place of worship and should not be restricted entry to the temple. While some of the Temple members have bitterly accepted the verdict, the board has decided to review the petition.

Ironically the only female justice Indu Malhotra of the court panel has opposed the decision for the entry of women. She stated that this matter should not be entertained as the deity and the temple are protected under the Article 25 of the Constitution of India. She continued to add that deep religious sentiments of millions of people should not be interfered by the court except for the matters of evil practices such as Sati.

What do you think about the idea of rationality entering into the matters of religion, when in fact our whole country has a strong spiritual climate? Share your thoughts in the comment section.