Gender Bias in Temples

On 31/1/16, our Sir initiated an online discussion on a following article.

Devdutt Pattanaik | Jan 31, 2016

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/all-that-matters/Gender-bias-in-temples-as-old-as-the-walls-around-them/articleshow/50788729.cms)

After reading this article, we had given  questions to ponder upon an give our comments.

After reading following article, you shall:

1.) Two ideas which you like the most.

2.) Do you agree with this observation: "what is assumed to be a 'temple' is essentially a structure built around very simple natural rock formations. The structure then is the boundary that defines and delimits the sacred space around something very organic and natural. This creation of boundaries is the essence of patriarchy, for with boundaries come divisions and hierarchies, that prop up the privileged. The physical boundaries express psychological boundaries that emerged long ago, before the structures, before gods and goddesses"

3.) After reading the article and ongoing debate on gender bias in temples/mosques/churches, what is your opinion about it?

Here is my response to these questions:-

Respected sir,

Two ideas which I like the most are:-

1.)  The structure then is the boundary that defines and delimits the sacred space around something very organic and natural. This creation of boundaries is the essence of patriarchy, for with boundaries come divisions and hierarchies, that prop up the privileged.

2.)  We prefer the sterility of neo-Vedanta popularized by male-dominated monastic Hindu 'missions' in the early 20th century, where God has no gender, or sexuality, hence looks upon men and women equally.

Whenever I read any news like women are restricted to enter in a religious place, one question arise that what did the so-called religious leaders understand from the  scriptures? Did they really read it or just?

They don’t allow women as they are not pure and so, then who gave them the certificate of purity? Even they shouldn’t be allowed to enter a place where a woman cannot enter.

Not only one Hindu religion but all the religions have the same rule for women.

For example:- Swaminarayan temple, Haji Ali Dargah Mumbai….etc. there are many places where women are not allowed or if they are allowed they can’t go beyond certain limit. Even many religious leaders believe that by looking at women they will become impure but in actual they do look at women. And if it is so then entire patriarchal society is impure because everyone looks at their mother when they are born. 

Frankly these types of people would never know what life is and they will only talk about a place whose existence is still doubtful.

 I would like to quotes some lines for people who are Gender Bias:-

संसार  से  भागे  फिरते  हो, भगवान  को  तुम  क्या  पाओगे

इस  लोक  को भी   अपना  न सके, उस लोक  में भी  पछताओगे

ये  पाप  है  क्या, ये  पुण्य  है क्या, रीतों  पर धर्म की  मोहरें  हैं

हर  युग  में  बदलते  धर्मों को  कैसे  आदर्श  बनाओगे

ये  भोग  भी  एक  तपस्या  है, तुम  त्याग  के  मारे  क्या  जानो

अपमान  रचेता  का  होगा,  रचना  को  अगर   ठुकराओगे

हम  कहते  हैं  ये  जग  अपना  है,  तुम  कहते  हो  झूठा  सपना  है

हम  जनम  बिता  कर  जायेंगे, तुम  जनम  गँवा  कर  जाओगे

Please read this article and give your comments below.