Has Any Woman Entered Sabarimala?

Sabarimala, a Spiritual Sanctuary

Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage site situated in the tropical evergreen forests of Kerala, India. Renowned for housing the deity Ayyappan in the form of Lord Hariharan, Sabarimala draws millions of devotees every year, primarily in the months of November to February. This passage will delve into the question of whether women have ever entered Sabarimala, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical context and recent legal developments.

Women and Sabarimala Restrictions

Until the 1990s, the temple was open to women of all ages, including menstruating women and those in menopause. However, a significant historical development changed this practice in the mid-20th century (around 1991).

Restriction for Menstruating Women (1991-2019)

In 1991, based on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed with the Kerala High Court, a 10–50 age restriction for women was implemented. This decision was rooted in an ancient tradition and religious belief that menstruating women could potentially affect the sanctity of Sabarimala. The ruling was made to protect the dignity and purity of the goddess Bhagavathy (another incarnation of Ayyappan).

Critics of this restriction argued that such a rule was discriminatory and undermined the rights of women. Over the years, various legal and social movements gained momentum, leading to the supreme court's historic decision to remove this age restriction.

2020 Supreme Court Ruling

In a landmark judgment in 2020, the Supreme Court of India struck down the ban on women visiting Sabarimala. This ruling recognized women's right to religious freedom and argued that religious practices should not unreasonably discriminate against individuals based on their sex. While this overturned the 10–50 age restriction, the prohibition on menstruating women was maintained, citing religious beliefs.

Entries by Women into Sabarimala

Historical Cases and Modern Visits

Historically, women of all ages have entered Sabarimala, including menstruating and post-menopausal women. However, enforcement of the ban from 1991 to 2020 reduced these occurrences significantly. Despite the ban, several significant cases emerged where women entered the temple without facing severe opposition.

Notably, some wealthy and influential women managed to enter the temple, often sparking controversy. For instance, movie stars, royal family members, ministers, PA's, and other high-profile individuals were reported to have entered the temple. These cases often led to media coverage and societal debate.

Average Devotees and Legal Intervention

Ordinary devotees faced significant barriers to entering the temple during the period when the ban was in effect. It was only after years of struggle and legal interventions that a devotee finally approached the Kerala High Court. The court initially sided with the devotees, mandating the 10–50 restriction. However, this ruling was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Recent Visits

Post-2020, after the supreme court's ruling, women of all ages have the right to enter Sabarimala, marking a significant shift in access. While menstruating women still cannot enter due to the temple's religious beliefs, this has not deterred many from visiting the shrine.

Many women have shared their experiences of visiting Sabarimala, highlighting the spiritual and emotional significance of the pilgrimage beyond the age and menstrual restrictions. These stories underscore the ongoing journey towards equality and religious freedom.

Conclusion

Yes, women have entered Sabarimala throughout history. The recent legal developments have removed age restrictions, though menstruating women are still barred from entering. The journey from restrictive practices to inclusive access reflects broader societal changes in India, emphasizing the importance of religious freedoms and gender equality.

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