Sabarimala Temple in Kerala

 The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, India, has been at the center of a contentious legal battle regarding women’s entry. Here’s a summary of the key events:

1. 2018 Verdict:

   • On September 28, 2018, a 5-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the temple’s practice of excluding women between the ages of 10 and 50 was unconstitutional1.
   • The court held that this practice violated the fundamental right to freedom of religion under Article 25(1) for female worshippers. 
   • The ruling was seen as progressive, granting women equal rights to worship.

2. Controversy and Protests:

   • The verdict led to massive protests in Kerala.
   • Women who attempted to enter the shrine faced resistance, with some being assaulted or turned away.
   • The temple’s historical ban on women was based on the belief that menstruating women were considered “unclean.”

3. Recent Development (2019):

   • In November 2019, the Supreme Court agreed to review its earlier judgment.
   • A larger bench will now hear the matter, but the original order allowing women’s entry remains in place.
   • Police in Kerala have appealed for calm, emphasizing that action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands2.

4. Current Situation:

• While women can still legally enter the temple, it remains a contentious issue.
• The fight for equality before the gods continues, as the case will be reopened by a larger seven-judge bench.

What  were the Arguments For Women’s Entry?

1. Equality and Fundamental Rights:

   • Advocates argue that women have the same constitutional right to worship as men. Denying them entry based on gender violates their fundamental rights under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
   • Equality before the gods should prevail, irrespective of biological factors.

2. Modernization and Progress:

   • Society has evolved, and discriminatory practices should not persist. Allowing women’s entry reflects a progressive outlook.
   • The 2018 Supreme Court verdict emphasized this perspective.

3. Breaking Stereotypes:

   • Allowing women of all ages to enter the temple challenges traditional stereotypes about menstruation and purity.
   • It promotes a more inclusive and open-minded society.

Arguments Against Women’s Entry:

1. Religious Tradition and Custom:

   • Opponents argue that the temple’s historical practice of excluding women is deeply rooted in tradition.
   • They believe that the deity, Lord Ayyappa, is celibate and that women of reproductive age should not disturb his meditation.

2. Preserving Sanctity and Rituals:

   • Some devotees believe that allowing women would disrupt the temple’s sanctity and rituals.
   • The temple’s unique practices, including the 41-day penance (vratham), are considered essential for spiritual purity.

3. Respecting Devotees’ Sentiments:

   • Devotees who adhere to the existing practice feel emotionally connected to it.
   • They argue that their sentiments and faith should be respected, even if it means maintaining gender-based restrictions.