Only women allowed in this temple

PHAGWARA, August 27

Shri Sindoora Devi Temple of Phagwara is the only temple in the region where the entry of men is restricted throughout the year except on Janmashtami when the doors are open to them as well.

Otherwise, it is an all-women temple and the guru at the temple is also a woman — Mata Sandhooran Devi.

The temple was established six decades back by Sandhooran Devi, a sadhvi, then in her teens. She made a rule that only girls or women can access the temple to pay obeisance.

Sandhooran Devi is said to have started the tradition so that no wrong perceptions were created.

The sadhvi, who always inspired the people to work for the unity of the country and preserve its traditions and culture, besides promoting women empowerment, passed away a few years back, but the temple is being run by her followers.

Meanwhile, Janmashtami was celebrated with gaiety and religious fervour in Phagwara, Goraya, Bilga, Phillaur, Noormahal and Nakodar on Monday night.

All temples were beautifully decorated and several tableaux, depicting the life of Lord Krishna, had been put on display.