India is home to many different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Some Indian temples are unique because they do not allow men to enter, either all the time or during specific festivals and rituals. These temples are dedicated to various goddesses and highlight the respect and significance given to female deities in Hinduism.
List of Temples Where Men Are Not Allowed
This article explores some of the most well-known Indian temples where men are not allowed and understand the reasons behind these unique practices.
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Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, attracting millions of female devotees. During this festival, men are not allowed inside the temple grounds, as it is considered a sacred women-only ritual.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, believed to have killed the demon king Daruka, born from Lord Shiva’s third eye. The Attukal Pongala festival, which takes place in February-March, involves women offering prayers and bangles to the goddess.
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Chakkulathukavu Temple, Kerala
Another temple in Kerala that prohibits men during certain rituals is the Chakkulathukavu Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple hosts an annual festival called ‘Naari Puja,’ which translates to ‘worshipping women.’ Men are not allowed to enter the temple premises during this festival, making it an exclusive women-only affair.
The ‘Naari Puja’ festival takes place on the first Friday of the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). Women devotees fast for ten days and are served food by the male priest on the festival day.
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Kamakhya Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, is one of India’s most famous Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the ‘Yoni’ (female genital) of Goddess Sati fell at this site. The temple celebrates the menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya and her divine feminine power.
During the Ambubachi Mela, which marks the goddess’s annual menstruation, the temple remains closed for three days, and men are not allowed to enter the premises.
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Kumari Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu
In her virgin form, the Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Men, especially married men, are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum, where the goddess’s idol is kept. Only women can worship the goddess directly in this part of the temple.
Celibate men or sanyasis are permitted to enter the temple only up to the gate, while married men can pray from a distance per the temple’s traditions.
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Brahma Temple, Rajasthan
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. According to a legend, married men are prohibited from entering the inner sanctum of the temple due to a curse by Goddess Saraswati.
The legend states that Lord Brahma performed a yagna at the Pushkar Lake, which he had to perform with his wife, Goddess Saraswati. However, when Goddess Saraswati was late for the event, Lord Brahma married Goddess Gayatri and completed the rituals. Angered by this, Goddess Saraswati cursed the temple, forbidding married men from entering the inner sanctum, as it was believed to bring trouble to their marital life.
