Janmashtami celebrated with fervour, Phagwara’s unique temple opens to men

Shri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with gaiety and fervour in Phagwara, Goraya, Bilga, Phillaur, Noormahal and Nakodar on Saturday. All temples were beautifully decorated, and several tableaux depicting the life of Lord Krishna were put on display.

Phagwara’s Shri Sindoora Devi Temple stood out as the only temple in the region where entry of men is restricted throughout the year—except on Janmashtami, when the doors are opened to them as well. The temple is otherwise an all-women space, with the guru at the temple also being a woman — Mata Sindoora Devi.

The temple was established six decades ago by Sandhooran Devi, a Sadhvi who was in her early teens at the time. She instituted the rule that only girls or women could access the temple to offer prayers.