Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Guwahati: Every year, the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati attracts thousands of devotees from around the world. This ancient festival, held in the Assamese month of Ahar, celebrates the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya, who symbolizes fertility and the creative power of nature. Despite reverence for the goddess’s menstrual cycle, menstruating women are traditionally prohibited from entering the temple during this time, a custom that has sparked debate and curiosity.
The contradiction:
The question of why menstruating women are prohibited from entering temples, including the Kamakhya temple, while the festival itself celebrates the menstruation of the goddess, perplexes many.
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Speaking to GPlus, Rhea Chakraborty of BK Kakoti Road said, "Why should menstruation prevent us from temples? It’s discriminatory and outdated." exclaimed Riya, a resident of Guwahati.
Kabita from Zoo Road speaking to GPlus said, "We demand equal rights to worship, regardless of our menstrual cycle."
"Excluding women during menstruation perpetuates stigma and inequality," Freya argued, stressing the need for a change in traditional methods.
"It is time to challenge these norms and ensure that all women can access religious spaces freely," urged Meera, who advocates for a gender inclusive policy in temples across Guwahati.
Also Read: Ambubachi Mela & Black Magic at Kamakhya Temple
In Guwahati, women are raising questions about the age-old practice of barring menstruating women from entering temples. They challenge this tradition, arguing that it perpetuates stigma and discrimination against women based on their biological roles. These women advocate for equal rights and access to religious spaces, regardless of menstrual cycle status. Their call for change reflects a growing awareness of issues of gender equality within religious customs and traditions.
Tradition and faith:
However, Kabindra Prasad Sharma, the doloi of Kamakhya Devalaya, explained the long-standing tradition. "This parampara (tradition) has been going on for years and decades, so we have to follow it. Even when Maa Kamhia gets her period during Ambobachi, we don’t go in," he told GPlus. He elaborated that before the start of the menstrual period, red silk sarees and a bhog (food offering) are offered to the goddess, after which the temple is closed to everyone, including priests.
"We do not have the courage to see what is happening inside the temple these days," Sharma added and emphasized the deep respect and reverence that priests and devotees have for women during her period.
Another official from Kamakhya Devalaya provided a different perspective, noting that the restriction is not only about perceived impurity but also for scientific and practical reasons. "It is not just about impurities but scientific reasons why women should rest during these three days. Most mothers are not inferior; They have to take care of their children and their home. During menstruation, they are supposed to rest," he said.
This point of view emphasizes the traditional understanding that menstruation is a time when women need to recover, and religious practices enforced this period of rest. However, the official also acknowledged the modern challenges faced by working women. "Now, if we look at modern working women, they have to work somehow. That can’t be an excuse."
He further noted that some women may feel shy or embarrassed if they have blemishes, which affects their reputation. "So they can get away from it all. But this is not impurity. It’s for their health." he emphasized.
the cultural context
Understanding why menstruating women are prohibited from temples requires a look at the cultural and religious context. In many parts of India, menstruation has traditionally been seen as a time of impurity, not because women themselves are impure, but because menstrual blood is considered impure. This belief is rooted in ancient texts and traditions that have long dominated Hindu practices.
However, the Kamakhya Temple stands as a unique paradox. The temple celebrates the menstruation of the goddess, and sees it as a strong and holy phenomenon. However, the same natural process in women is often stigmatized. This contradiction emphasizes the complex interrelationship between religious tradition and social norms.
Voices of change
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge and change these traditional views. Activists and some progressive religious leaders claim that menstruation should be normalized and that women should not be barred from places of worship during their period. They advocate a more inclusive approach that respects the health and dignity of women without labeling them as impure.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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