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Fathima Nilamdeen

April 20th, 2023

The Tension Between a Women’s Religious Freedom in India's Hindu Temples

Gender inequality has long been pervasive in India, impacting every aspect of women's lives,

including their participation in religious institutions. In recent years, there has been a growing

awareness and activism around the issue of gender discrimination in religious institutions,

particularly in Hindu temples. Religious institutions have historically been treated separately by

the Indian legal system, frequently being excluded from legal repercussions and contributing to

gender inequity. However, in recent years, Indian women have challenged discriminatory

practices in Hindu temples through lawful means. In "Gods' Homes, Men's Courts, Women's

Rights," Deepa Das Acevedo discusses the tension between religious freedom and gender

equality in India, particularly in Hindu temples. Acevedo explores how the historical treatment

of religious institutions has perpetuated gender inequality and calls for greater collaboration

between religious institutions and women's rights advocates to promote gender justice in India

(Acevedo, 2018). The Sabarimala and Shani Shingnapur cases are highlighted in the article as

crucial triumphs for women's rights. It also emphasises how much effort needs to be made to

ensure gender equality in religious institutions and legal frameworks. The persistent gender

discrimination and exclusion of women from religious institutions, particularly in the Hindu

tradition, highlights the urgent need for greater collaboration between women's groups, religious

leaders, and legal institutions to promote gender justice in India.

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The main issue discussed in the article is the gender inequality and discrimination women

face in religious institutions, specifically within the Hindu tradition. Acevedo explores how

women are often excluded from religious spaces and rituals and subject to strict gender roles and

expectations. The author argues that this exclusion has contributed to the marginalisation and

oppression of women within Hindu society and has limited their ability to exercise their rights

and autonomy. In recent years, Sabarimala has been the centre of controversy due to a ban on the

entry of women of menstruating age, which consist of women of the age between 10 and 50

years old, into the temple (CNN, 2019). This ban was based on the belief that Lord Ayyappa is a

celibate deity and that the presence of menstruating women would violate his celibacy since

these women are considered impure (Acevedo, 2018). Sabarimala remains an important

pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus, who visit the temple yearly to pay their respects to Lord

Ayyappa. The exclusion of women from religious spaces and rituals is not just a problem in the

Hindu tradition but is also prevalent in other religions, such as Christianity and Islam. Promoting

the exclusion of women in religious spaces reinforces traditional gender roles and patriarchal

power structures and harms women's rights.

Furthermore, the ban on women's entry to the temple violates women's rights to freedom

of religion and belief. All individuals should be free to practise their religion or belief without

discrimination or restrictions based on gender. In addition, prohibiting women from entering the

temple encourages prejudice and inequality based on gender. It conveys the idea that women are

impure and inferior to men and that their presence in places of worship can contaminate those

places. Banning women from places of worship reinforces the patriarchal social norms that treat

women as second-class citizens and limit their rights and opportunities. Prohibiting women from
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visiting the temple is unquestionably unlawful in accordance with the Indian Constitution, which

promotes the right to equality and prohibits discrimination based on gender. Thus, preventing

women from entering the Sabarimala temple is morally and legally improper. It is crucial to

recognize that such practices only perpetuate gender inequality and reinforce harmful gender

stereotypes that contribute to gender-based violence and discrimination.

Moreover, the ban on women's entry to the temple has profoundly impacted women's

social, economic, and political participation, reinforcing gender-based discrimination and

inequality. This restriction sends a message to women that they are not valued and respected as

equal members of society and that their participation in religious and cultural practices is

unwelcome. The impact of this ban goes beyond the temple itself, affecting women's ability to

participate fully in all aspects of social and political life in India. Undeniably, preventing women

from visiting the Sabarimala temple in India violates their fundamental human rights and

promotes gender inequality. Refusing women into a sacred space becomes the foundation of

patriarchal standards by limiting women's autonomy and choice and propagating negative gender

stereotypes. Recognizing the detrimental effects of such behaviours is working to build a society

that values gender equality and respects the rights and dignity of all people. The Indian

Constitution guarantees the right to equality and the prohibition of gender discrimination. It is

vital to ensure these principles are upheld to advance a just and equitable society.

Additionally, hinduism is a fundamental aspect of Indian culture and has a significant

influence on the development of the nation's identity. Hinduism has a huge impact on the lives of

millions of Indians because it offers a framework for spirituality, morality, and community.As a
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consequence, the restriction on women entering the hindu temple infringes on their right to

freedom of religion and belief since it is a huge part of their identity. Their fundamental right,

which guarantees everyone the freedom to practise their religion or belief without discrimination

or limitations based on gender, is a fundamental human right recognized by international law. By

banning women's entry to the temple, this right is being violated, and women are being

discriminated against based on gender. While women's groups and activists have made

significant strides in challenging traditional gender roles within religious institutions, there is still

a long way to go in achieving gender equality. Acevedo goes over other significant issues,

"women in India continue to face high rates of gender-based violence, unequal access to

education and healthcare, and discrimination in employment and other areas" (Acevedo, 2018).

More must be done to address issues such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and

economic opportunities that contribute to the marginalisation of women within religious

communities.

It is vital to take a more holistic approach to resolving gender inequality and

discrimination in Indian religious institutions. Religious organisations have always resisted

change, especially when it comes to gender equality problems. It is critical to understand,

though, that banning women from particular spaces or activities inside these organisations can

significantly negatively influence their possibilities in the social, economic, and political spheres

(Acevedo, 2018). Therefore, finding a solution that respects religious and gender-based rights is

essential. The author suggests that a dialogue between religious leaders, feminists, and legal

experts could help to find a solution that considers both the religious and cultural context of these

institutions and women's human rights (Acevedo, 2018). This approach could involve a more
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collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing gender discrimination in religious institutions

rather than relying solely on legal measures. Overall, it is necessary for a more nuanced and

collaborative approach to addressing gender discrimination and inequality in religious

institutions in India. Finding a solution that respects religious and gender-based rights can

promote greater gender equality and social justice in these institutions and beyond.

The issue of banning women from entering sacred Indian temples has been debated for

many years. While some argue that it is a matter of tradition and religious beliefs, others believe

it violates fundamental human rights, particularly women's right to equality and freedom of

religion. It is essential to acknowledge that cultural and religious beliefs play a significant role in

shaping the traditions and practices of societies. However, these beliefs should not be used to

justify discrimination or exclusion, especially regarding fundamental human rights. Banning

women from entering sacred temples not only reinforces gender stereotypes and discrimination

but also restricts their right to practise their faith freely. Women should have the same rights as

men to access places of worship and participate in religious rituals and traditions.
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Citation

CNN. (2019, January 1). Kerala women form 620 km 'wall' for equality. CNN.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/01/asia/india-kerala-chain-intl/index.html

Deepa Das Acevedo, Gods' homes, men's courts, women's rights, International Journal of
Constitutional Law, Volume 16, Issue 2, April 2018, Pages 552–573,
https://doi.org/10.1093/icon/moy039