Explain Sabarimala news in 500 words
Sabarimala is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats in Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a celibate deity, and attracts millions of devotees every year. However, in recent years, the temple has been at the center of a heated controversy due to its long-standing tradition of prohibiting the entry of women of menstruating age.
This tradition, known as the "menstrual taboo," is based on the belief that women of reproductive age are impure and therefore cannot enter the temple. The age restriction is set between 10 and 50 years old. For decades, this practice went unquestioned and was accepted as a religious custom. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the ban on women's entry into the temple was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The ruling sparked a wave of protests from conservative groups and devotees who believed that the court was interfering in religious matters. Many argued that the temple's traditions should be respected and that women should voluntarily refrain from entering the temple out of respect for the deity's wishes. On the other hand, women's rights activists hailed the decision as a step towards gender equality and the dismantling of discriminatory practices.
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, attempts were made to implement the decision and allow women of all ages to enter the temple. However, these efforts were met with strong resistance from conservative groups and devotees, who organized protests and blocked the entry of women. The situation became tense and even violent at times, with clashes between protesters and police.
In response to the protests, the state government of Kerala formed a committee to mediate and find a solution to the impasse. The committee held discussions with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, activists, and devotees. After several rounds of talks, a consensus was reached in 2019 to uphold the Supreme Court's ruling and allow women's entry into the temple.
However, the issue did not end there. The temple authorities, known as the Travancore Devaswom Board, sought a review of the Supreme Court's decision, arguing that it was against the temple's traditions and rituals. The case was referred to a larger bench of the Supreme Court, which is currently examining the matter and is expected to deliver its verdict soon.
Meanwhile, the controversy has continued to simmer, with sporadic protests and demonstrations taking place. The issue has also become highly politicized, with political parties taking different positions on the matter to appeal to their respective voter bases.
The Sabarimala controversy raises important questions about the balance between religious freedom and gender equality. While some argue that religious customs should be respected, others believe that no religious practice should be allowed to discriminate against any individual or group. The outcome of the Supreme Court's review will have far-reaching implications for the future of religious practices and gender equality in India.