Temples in India where both men and women together are restricted entrance

Despite diverse culture, some religious places are still gender-biased in India. Not allowing women or men to enter certain temples is one of them.

India is known for its diverse culture, traditions, and religious beliefs. Hinduism, the major religion in India, is home to numerous temples dedicated to different deities. While most of these temples are open to everyone, there are a few where entry is restricted based on gender. Here are some of the famous temples in India where men and women are not allowed:

First is Sabarimala Temple of Kerala in India

The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is one of the most popular Hindu temples in India. However, only men and young girls below the age of 10 are allowed to enter the temple premises. This restriction is based on the belief that the deity, Lord Ayyappa, is a celibate and allowing women of reproductive age to enter would disturb his celibacy.

Second is Shani Shingnapur Temple of Maharashtra in India

The Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra is dedicated to Lord Shani, the Hindu god of justice. However, women are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple, where the deity is housed. This practice is based on the belief that women are impure during their menstrual cycle and could contaminate the deity.

Third is Chilkur Balaji Temple of Telangana in India

The Chilkur Balaji Temple in Telangana is a popular temple among Hindus who wish to go abroad. Men and women are not allowed to enter the temple wearing footwear, leather items, or flowers. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 are also not allowed to enter the temple due to the belief that the deity, Lord Venkateswara, is a bachelor and allowing women of reproductive age could disturb his celibacy.

Fourth is Jama Masjid of  Delhi in India

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the largest mosques in India. However, women are not allowed to enter the main prayer hall and are restricted to a separate section. This practice is based on the belief that women's presence could distract men from their prayers.

Fifth is Attukal Bhagavathy Temple of Kerala in India

Located in Kerala, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is famous for its annual festival, Attukal Pongala, where the largest gathering of women in the world takes place. During the 10-day festival that is celebrated between February and March, thousands of women devotees gather to offer their prayers to the Goddess.

Sixth is Lord Brahma Temple of Rajasthan in India

The Lord Brahma Temple in Rajasthan is a rare shrine where Lord Brahma is the reigning deity. This temple prohibits married men from entering the sanctum sanctorum to worship the deity. According to legend, Lord Brahma married Goddess Gayatri when Goddess Saraswati was late for the yagna. This made Goddess Saraswati angry, and she cursed that no married man would be allowed to enter the inner sanctum.

Seventh is Mata Temple of Muzaffarnagar in India

The Mata Temple in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, is a Shakti Sthal that prohibits men from entering the temple premises during the time when the Goddess is believed to be menstruating. During this time, only women are allowed to enter the temple, and even male priests are not allowed inside.

Eighth is Devi Kanyakumari of Kanyakumari in India

The Devi Kanyakumari temple in the southern part of India is strictly for women only. Only sanyasis or celibate men are allowed till the gate, whereas married men are not allowed to enter the premises. According to legend, the right shoulder and spine area of Sati's corpse fell at this spot, which is now housed inside the temple.

Ninth is Kamakhya Temple of Assam in India

The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is one of the most famous temples in India, where men are not allowed to enter the temple premises during certain times of the year. During the Ambubachi Mela, the main door of the temple remains shut for four days as it is believed that the Goddess menstruates during that time. Only female priests or sanyasis are allowed to serve the temple during those days.

While India is known for its diverse and inclusive culture, there are still a few religious practices that are gender-biased. The practice of not allowing women to enter certain temples is one of them. However, with changing times and increased awareness, there have been efforts to end such practices and promote gender equality in religious spaces.