JOIN USIn a shift from its stand, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) now favours entry of women into temples but wants the “unfair” restriction to go after due consultation with the stakeholders.
“Because of some unfair traditions, at certain places, there has been a lack of consensus on the question of temple entry. Wherever such a problem exists, attempts should be made to bring about a change of mind through proper discussion,” said RSS Sarkaryawah Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s report submitted at the ongoing three-day Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Nagaur district of Rajasthan.
The RSS also adopted two resolutions – on effective healthcare and easy access to affordable medical services – on the second day of the Nagaur conclave. It is also expected to take a call on change of RSS uniform, replacing khaki knickers with trousers.
Women are up in arms in Maharashtra and Kerala protesting the ban on their entry at Shani Shingnapur temple and Sabarimala temple, respectively. Congress-led UDF government in Kerala had supported the ban in writing before the Supreme Court which is hearing a petition challenging “menstruating women’s” entry into Sabarimala temple.
The RSS appears to have drifted away from its previous stand since its mouthpiece ‘Organiser’ reportedly argued in favour of the age-old tradition of restricting women’s entry into Shani Shingnapur temple. But, Sangh Parivar had reportedly favoured resolving the dispute through ‘respectful dialogue’ in an editorial in one of its issues published more than a month back.
The Hindutva ideologue’s latest position is expected to remove ambiguity in handling the sensitive religious gender issue, also reflected in the BJP, where different leaders have been taking contradictory stands.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had supported women activists’ demand for entry but with the caveat that his government would act as a facilitator to resolve the complex problem. At the same time, rural development minister Pankaja Munde had supported the ban on women’s entry into Shani temple.
Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s annual report broached the topic under the sub-heading, “Women and Temple Entry,” while offering its narrative on “National Scenario”.
“In the last few days, some elements inimical to the well being of society have raised unsavoury controversy over women’s entry into temple. From the hoary past, we have been following a lofty tradition in which in the religious and spiritual spheres, in matters of worship and piety, both men and women are naturally considered to be equal partners,” the RSS commented.
To push its argument, the Sangh stated that over the years “women also have been learning Vedas and officiating as priests in temples in the natural course”.
The RSS also adopted two resolutions – on effective healthcare and easy access to affordable medical services – on the second day of the Nagaur conclave. It is also expected to take a call on change of RSS uniform, replacing khaki knickers with trousers.