One can argue that just as the times have changed, so too should traditions. But beliefs remain. Traditions followed at Sabarimala must be seen in the appropriate context. There is a practice of tradition that has been respected by all devotees, and over the past decades no one seems to have had an issue with this. Why is this being raked up now on the pretext of changing times and gender equality? There are temples where men are not allowed. The Attukal temple in Kerala itself does not permit men to participate in the Pongala festival held every year, and it is attended by lakhs of women. This is just one example. A search on the Internet will return a list of other temples where men are not allowed. One wishes that the Supreme Court takes into account traditional aspects and beliefs and is not guided by logic alone. Devotees worship their deities in accordance with their beliefs. At Sabarimala it is no different (Editorial page, “The Sabarimala singularity”, July 26.
Shivaram Singaravelu,
Chennai