In Historic Step, Women Enter Previously Restricted Temple in India
In a significant step for Hindu women in India, today two women have entered the Sabarimala temple complex in the state of Kerala. Closed to women between the ages of 10 and 50, the temple has traditionally banned women of “menstruating age,” as they are considered to be unclean. Although most Hindu temples allow women to enter as long as they’re not menstruating, Sabarimala is unique in its more wide-ranging ban. India’s Supreme Court overturned that ban in October, but women who tried entering the temple following the court ruling were attacked by protestors, requiring police to arrest over 2,000 people and use tear gas. Now two women, 40-year-old Bindu Ammini and 39-year-old Kanaka Durga, have successfully entered the temple, though not without incident.