Well, we were talking about the rules set out for different instituions. As there are certain rules to be observed in a school or club, there are certain rules that have been prevailing for centuries in temples, which we call 'tradition'. some temples had something different traditionally. In Attukal, no man is allowed to go anywhere near when ladies make Ponkala. It is an all women show. There is no gernder bias involved. To visit Shabarimala shrine and climb on the 18 holy steps one has to take 41 days strice penance, which include among others, abstaintinism from sex, avoiding hair cut, wearing of leather made items, wearing of fancy dresses - they should rather be on simple dress like a black or saffron colour dhoti, and above all when you visit YOU MUST HAVE IRUMUDI ON YOUR HEAD (two sacks)- that is absolutely compulsory. The temple used to open for devotees only during mandala kalam in the past. But what I understand now is that temple is now open for devotees almost all months but the devotees cannot come through the 18 holy steps but through another gate For enterring temple through this gate, you need not undertake any penance.
