if paravthi can sit alongside shiva, if ayyappa is the product of such a conjugal association, then women can be there right in front of their god.
if ayyappa decided not to marry, that was his personal decision not borne out of any dislike for woman. does the text say anywhere that he hated womnkind after being jilted or so?
since religion today is an industry providing employment to millions of people around the globe, the attempts to interpret rules or legacies are usurped by men for whom climbng the ladders of power are the essential part of their life.
as dan brown has committed no crime with his code, so has jayamala with her visit.
The sad part of Hinduism is that people like you are there in Hindu fold. It would take one full birth to know what Hinduism is all about. Man, read more and more texts and you will know what exactly Hinduism is.
A man of wisdom do not comment every now and then unless he is sure what he is saying. You know why Pacific ocean is so quite. It is so deep. Those who have vast knowledge will not question many of the age-old traditions in Hinduism. Of course, there had been, and have been blind beliefs and from time to time social reformers fought against such evils. In Kerala, the womenfold have been praying to Lord Ayyappa sitting in their homes all through these years, whereas menfold visited the shrine. Women have never complained about this. Let the tradition continues to go on...
Jayamala is lying. Anybody visited any of the temples in Kerala knows that question of touching the idol does not arise at all, as it is kept at the sanctum santorum.
RE:women at sabrimala
by Vinay Nair on Jul 05, 2006 08:04 PM Permalink
Dear Mr. Shashi Kumar,
I think you have expressed your views out of lack of knowledge about Lord Aiyappa and the sacred hill of Sabarimala. Its so foolish of you to compare Da vinci code and Jayamala's visit to Sabarimala. Its not a question of Jayamala committing a crime by visiting Sabarimala, its that she is lying in public for whatever reasons because what she is saying is not practically possible. Just ask anybody who has visited Sabarimala and he will explain you why.
Brush up your resources before expressing anything.
RE:women at sabrimala
by Bala on Jul 05, 2006 11:07 PM Permalink
I am surprised to know how many ppl are unaware of the history and tradition of Lord Ayyappa. Its a rule that women who are in puberty cannot enter the temple. So please dont comment before knowing the tradition of the temple.
Its a shame to talk about equality on this Sabarimalai issue. How many ppl know that majority of the Hindu Temples does not allow non-Hindu ppl to enter the temple. Hasnt anyone heard about this ?? This is a major issue that Sabarimala. Why isnt anyone raising concerns over this. And FYI ladies are not allowed to enter Mosques, has anyone raised voices against muslims that they are showing partiality to the opposite sex.
We can talk about equality for the opposite sex, but not on topics which is our tradition. Understand our tradition first, then talk about equality and women rights. And most of all dont use your freedom of speech to hurt the feelings of true beleivers.
RE:women at sabrimala
by narayan on Jul 06, 2006 10:35 AM Permalink
hi. u got yr facts wrong. Ayyappa is not the son of shiv a and parvati. He is known as Hari Hara Sutan --> hari+ haran 's sutan ---> shiv+ vishnu 's son. mythology says so.
RE:women at sabrimala
by Srivathsan on Jul 05, 2006 07:43 PM Permalink
Hello Sashi,
Women's equality is a western concept. Our Vedic religion and scriptures do given women their respectable place of honour. So, the question of concept of equality does not arise. In the name of modernisation and liberalisation, don't forget to respect / uphold the age-old traditions.
As for your point "Lord Ayyappa does not hate women", you are only indulging in rabble-rousing. While Lord Ayyappa does not discriminate between man and woman, it is HIS words that are to be believed, according to which the tradition of not allowing women is maintained.
If one is a true Hindu, one will certainly respect traditions. (Don't blindly bring half-baked western concepts into our Vedic religion). If one is not, he/she has nothing to lose and hence one will only be inclined to bluff what comes to one's mind.
Innovation & Creativity in sampradaya matters only spell doom to the society.
RE:women at sabrimala
by Rajaji on Jul 06, 2006 04:50 AM Permalink
Excellent! your's is truly a voice of reason!
Only issue I may have is, if they don't provide provide neccessary stuff for all the people coming to Sabarimala, especially if women also start coming, then it'll be hard! For example, without enough toilets, drinking water etc, how will women be able to have a comfirtable visit. With all the traffic and congestion at the lines, will the lazy dewasom board people take necessary action? Hum they are busy finding ways to steal money, not providing basic needs for people.
I have no problem women going to sabarimala. But, we are atleast 5 years away from creating a safe atmosphere for them.
