4. & how can you forget the age old wise saying "Man Changa to Dil mein Ganga". Pl. ask why a particular trend or tradition was set, get the answer & most of the times I am sure it would be quite logical. Do not follow blindly any tradition or trend that was created centuries ago & depended on Desh (country), Kaal (time) & Paatra (person). These discriminatory rules were never created by God. It is high time that all the people of India understands these things and not be taken for a ride. We should try to break these customs which divides us further in the name of Caste, Creed & Gender. kirangparihar@rediffmail.com
For that matter no rule on this earth was created by God.
Every institution has its own set of rules. A school has its own, an office has its own, a club has its own, a church has its own and a temple has its own. Rules are always framed with good intentions, but over the years, people interpret it in their own ways, to suit their vested interests. That is how evil practices like Sati came into existence in Hindu society. No where it is said that a woman has no right to live, once her husband passes away. Of course manu has said ' na stree swatantram arhathe' - no women deserve freedom. This was quoted in the context that a female while in her younger days is under the guardianship of hr parents, in youth once married off, undedr her husband and the old days under their son/s. Not only Hindu religion, but every sect in the4 world perhaps considered women as something 'precious' You must have heard of Kunchan Nambiar's poem in which he said all clashed in this world are attributed to two factors - kanakam and kamini, i.e. wealth and women. In hinuduism, women enjoyed a lot of privileges, especially in Kerala where Nair community was dominent.
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.
RE:Mr. Ramnath Babu
by Ramanath Babu on Jul 08, 2006 10:23 AM Permalink
I thnik, even women are allowed to enter through this gate during those times.
The restriction imposed is only during Mandla Kalam if I am not wrong. This restriction comes because of women's inability to compelte 41 days vrat, as her menstrual cycle intervene in between. Try to understand that nobody has said that women are impure or that they are interior. It is just a custom as in Attukal where males are prohibted.
As regards PURITY is concerned, once you wear that mala on Vrichit 1, you virtually lose your individual identity. YOu are then onwards for the next 41 days known as 'swamy' or 'ayyappa' Devotees who undertakes penance for going to Sabarimala greet always with Swami sharanam, and they address each other as swamy only. Even a rougue, once he decides to go to Sabarimala, mend his ways. He is not supoosed to tell lie, he will not quareel with anybody, he will not harm anobody with thoughts and action. You should visit the shrrine only with a pure mind. All real devotes still observe these rules strictly - I am talking about real deovtees and not those who are going there as if they are out for some picnic.
