That women were allowed to worship at Sabarimala is highlighted in The Sabarimala Confusion, Nitin Sridhar’s apparent attempt at dispelling myths associated with interpretations of menstruation and worship in Hindu scriptures. Since menstruating women have heightened level of Rajas... they become ineligible to perform or participate in any religious activities.” It is unclear what myths are being dispelled here. If anything, these only bolster the toxic message communicated over centuries: women, especially of reproductive age, pollute the (very male) purity of places of worship. The last thing that women in India need is scholarly validation of regressive societal beliefs, or attempts to use ancient shastras to ‘help’ women’s movements. The Sabarimala Confusion: Menstruation across Cultures — A Historical Perspective By Nithin Sridhar, Vitasta, Rs 895

Source: The Telegraph May 09, 2019 19:18 UTC