TEMPLES WHERE MEN ARE NOT ALLOWED

MAYA TEMPLE, BIHAR

This temple, located in Bihar, follows a strict set of rules that applies to both the Women and the Male priests. It is believed that, for a particular time, the temple only allows women to be there as the Devi ji presiding is believed to be menstruating.

CHAKKULATHUVAKU TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Maa Durga and is located on the alluring banks of the river Pamba. The Male priest has to wash the feet of the women who have fasted for 10 days, on the day of Dhanu.

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE, ASSAM

Kamakhya Temple is believed to be the place where the yoni (genitals, womb) of Goddess Sati fell after Shiva danced with the corpse of Sati. Men too, are restrained from entering the premises for a specific duration. The goddess is believed to be menstruating and to observe privacy, only women are allowed to enter the temple.

ATTUKAL BHAGVATHY TEMPLE, KERALA

This is a temple which refers to itself as a 'woman-dominated' temple and bars the entrance of men. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongal festival, which over three million women participate. A festival that has figured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity.

MA LINGA BHAIRAVI TEMPLE, COIMBATORE

Μα Linga Bhairavi temple is situated in Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev ashram in the city. Only the women are allowed to enter the temple's inner sanctum. Women are allowed to perform the rituals even while menstruating.