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India, with its rich cultural and religious history, is home to many magnificent temples, each with its unique story. Among these, many are dedicated to goddesses, showcasing the deep-rooted reverence for feminine deities. While it is not uncommon to encounter restrictions on women entering certain places of worship due to religious beliefs, a lesser-known phenomenon exists – the presence of "women-only" temples in India. These temples, steeped in tradition and history, symbolise women's spiritual empowerment. Here are five such temples in India where men are prohibited, and spaces for female devotees are created through tradition.
The ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, also known as Kamrup Kamakhya or Kamakhya Devi. She is prominent in Hindu mythology and worship as a Shakti tantric deity, also known as the Goddess of Desire. This temple is the oldest and most sacred of the 51 Shaktipeeths. According to legend, it is believed to be where the "Yoni" (female reproductive organ) of Goddess Sati fell. The temple complex comprises several small shrines, each dedicated to different deities. The most revered shrine is the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which houses a yoni-shaped stone symbolising the goddess's creative power. The annual Ambubachi Mela held at the temple celebrates the divine feminine energy known as Shakti, with Kamakhya embodying this powerful force. The temple remains closed for three days during the Ambubachi Mela, and men are not allowed to enter during that period.
This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kanyakumari and is considered one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas. According to legend, after Goddess Parasakthi defeated Banasura as Kumari, Saint Narada and Lord Parasurama requested her to stay on Earth until the end of Kaliyuga. Lord Parasurama built the temple by the ocean and placed the goddess' idol in it. It upholds unique traditions where only women can worship the goddess directly in the inner part of the temple, while men, especially married men, have different areas for prayer based on the temple's rules. The temple is celebrated for its stunning Dravidian-style architecture, adorned with intricately carved gopurams and mandapas, and a roof made of Madras terracing. The idol, adorned with a dazzling diamond nose ring, is truly remarkable.
The Brahma Temple is located near Pushkar Lake and is easily recognisable by its red spire and a white marble statue of Brahma. The temple is adorned with silver coins, flowers, and depictions of Brahma's consort, Saraswati. According to legend, married men are not allowed to enter the temple. A festival is held each year to honour Lord Brahma during Kartik Poornima. The rule of the temple originates from a story in which Brahma married Gayatri due to the delay of goddess Saraswati in a ritual. In her anger, Saraswati cursed the temple, forbidding married men from entering the inner sanctum, as it was believed that doing so would bring trouble to their marital life.
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, which takes place over ten days between February and March. The pinnacle of the festival is a large gathering of women who come together to pay special tributes to the main deity, Bhagavathy, and seek her blessings for prosperity and abundance. In a nod to tradition and the significant role of women in this sacred ritual, men respectfully refrain from entering the temple grounds during the festival.
This temple in Jodhpur is a serene sanctuary devoted to Goddess Santoshi, the cherished bestower of peace and tranquility. Every Friday, the temple comes alive with the presence of women who seek blessings from the goddess for solace and happiness. During this sacred time, the inner sanctum, a place of reverence, remains exclusive to women, fostering an environment of spiritual connectedness and serenity.
