We have heard about temples in India where women are not allowed including the Sabrimala Temple. India being a religious country, the issue of women entering restricted premise at holy places such as Shani Shingnapur or Sabarmila or Ayyappa temple became a burning topic across the nation.
But, there are places of worship / temples in India where men are barred from entering the premise. Scroll down to know the temples where only women are allowed and can offer prayers.
- The Bhagati Maatemple in Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu: It is said that Maa Parvati went to a lonely site in the mid of ocean for Tapasya. She did Tapasya for getting Lord Shiva as her husband. So in this temple only women are allowed. This is a famous temple of Kanya Kumari, where Kanya Maa Bhagawati Durga is worshiped by women only.
- Chakkulathukavu Temple:This is another temple in Kerala dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. It follows a peculiar annual ritual called ‘Naari Puja’. On the first Friday of December called Dhanu, the male priest washes the feet of female devotees who have fasted for 10 days.
- Santoshi Maa ‘Vrat’is observed by only women or unmarried girls. It is prohibited to eat sour fruits or pickles during the ‘Vrat’. Though, male devotees enter the Santoshi Maa temple for worshiping but hardly anyone follows the ritual of ‘Vrat’ for Santoshi Maa.
- The temple of Lord Brahma at Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of the most prominent temple of Lord Brahma. Married men are not allowed to enter in temple. Once in a year, during Kartik Purnima of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik religious festival is held in Brahma honour. The temple dates back to 14th century.
- In Muzaffarpur Bihar, there is one Mata temple where during the time of special period – only women devotees are allowed to enter the temple. Even the Pujari of the temple is not allowed to enter the premises.
- Attukal Temple– The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple located in Kerala is one such temple where women are the dominant force. The temple’s Pongal festival – a festival where millions of women participate – has also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. This festival is regarded as the largest gathering of women for any religious activity. Pongal is a 10 day festival which falls during February & March and women offer bangles to the goddess (Devi).
PNN
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