Why are women restricted in some temples? Unpacking ancient traditions and rules

• Some temples worship celibate deities, like Ayyappan in Sabarimala, where restrictions are based on preserving the deity's ascetic nature.
• Ancient Hindu rituals viewed menstruation as a phase of physical and energetic changes, leading to practices that excused women from religious duties for rest.
• Temple rules vary based on different scriptures (Agamas), which dictate worship methods, rituals, and entry rules, believed to be unchangeable once consecrated.
• Centuries-old traditions are preserved in some temples, seen as heritage rather than restrictions, with spiritual power believed to increase through unchanged customs.
• Many Hindu temples have no restrictions on women, and some, like Kamakhya Temple, even celebrate the goddess's menstruation, showing restrictions depend on deity nature and worship methods.