We heard the news of Shani temple, breaking 400 year old ritual of disallowing women to step into the inner sanctorum of Shani Shrine. What we hear now is something shocking! Offending, even.
While women rejoiced by breaking stereotypes, Hindu leader Swami Swarapooanand Saraswati looked down upon it with disgrace.
He said, “Women entered Shani temple’s inner sanctum. The women are worshiping Shani in the temple. By doing so, Shani’s eyes would fall on women and this would result in increase of rape incidents.”
He made a controversial media statement and also said that Shani is a cruel planet, hence women should beware of worshiping the deity.
Women activists criticized this statement of the Hindu leader. Surely, Gods bring prosperity, love, wealth and a healthy life. No God would inflict pain and misery to his children through actions like rape.
Shani is prayed to ward off evil and remove barriers. It was believed that only men could light lamps in Shani temples.
However, God looks upon all his followers as one. There is no discrimination between men and women when it comes to offering prayers. Moreover, when men can pray to Goddess Kali, why can’t women offer prayers to Lord Shani?
