Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jan 5: City corporator, Prathibha Kulai, said that Lord Ayyappa has never barred women from visiting him. At the same time, she felt that it is not proper for the people to enter the shrine for the sole purpose of breaking age-old traditions.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Kulai observed that 'God's Own Country', Kerala, has been witnessing pitched battles. "When we go to pay obeisance to God, our hearts should be filled with devotion. Visits to divine places with blood oozing out of one's body does not serve any purpose. While it is true that Ayyappa Swamy did not bar women from entering his shrine, it is improper for the women to go to Sabarimala out of adamant attitude backed by the aim to break the prevailing traditions. We have to observe the rules and follow the traditions. We have to respect the religion. I request people belonging to other religions not to hurt the sentiments of Hindus by interfering in these matters," she said.
Prathibha noted that the Supreme Court's verdict has allowed entry of women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala shrine. "This is a welcome judgement. Women have rights that are equal to men. It is not right for the concerned to stop women from performing puja of the deity there," she stated.
She felt that women should be allowed to enter all the temples as otherwise it is tantamount to gender inequality. It transgresses religious rights of Hindu women to enter temples, she felt.
She questioned the rationale behind barring entry of women into the shrine just because they undergo menses. "During menstruation, women stay away from visiting temples. Everyone has equal right to visit temples and pray to gods. The Lord has never asked women not to enter His shrine," she reiterated.
She said that for her, the judgement delivered by Supreme Court on the issue is like the verdict of the Lord and it caters to needs of modern era. "Let us uphold the law. Everything moves as per the wishes of God. He will guide the future course too," she commented.