Keeping faith at Sabarimala

RELIGION transcends logic. Faith knows no whys and wherefores. All religions are steeped in rituals that should not be challenged — as long as they are not discriminatory, cause bodily harm to an individual or violate his/her civil and religious rights. People turn to religion for solace and spiritual strength to take on the challenges of the real world. Knowing an all-pervading higher consciousness is keeping a watch makes the burden and business of living that much easier, somehow. A believer knows it. A non-believer may scoff at it. Both may be right, or both wrong. But both must learn to coexist — the first step to social harmony. 

Entry to a place of worship has for long had the potential of being a contentious issue. Some are open to all, some not. The recent Supreme Court ruling opened the door of the 12th century Sabarimala temple to women of menstruating age (between 10 and 50). The verdict rightly vindicated a woman’s right to pray. It was a means to facilitate women devotees, with faith in Lord Ayyappa and rituals associated with offering Him prayers. Implementing the order, however, is another thing, and has led to confrontations between the traditionalists and their challengers. It stands to reason that the right to entry to all women should not be misused by non-believers, championing activists, or committed atheists to pitch the victory flag on the edifice of faith. Unfortunately, this is being done, resulting in ugly faceoffs. 

The sentiments of the believer, both man and woman, need to be honoured. That will happen only if devotees exercise this right in a manner that is ‘appropriate’ and in congruence with traditions. Religion has two entwining elements — the faith and the faithful. Any perceived ‘mischief’ would hurt the sentiments of even those who are not directly involved. Acrimony among devotees would vitiate the atmosphere of prayerfulness. The temple’s sanctity should not be defied or disrupted since that could set off an offensive spin, which must be avoided. A religious place is not a venue for provocative stunts, political or otherwise; neither is it a battleground for a ‘cause’. All parties concerned need to tread carefully to preserve the spiritual harmony central to the temple.