Menstruation is not a taboo

Congratulations for the classical editorial in THI about path-breaking and trend-setting judgements of the Supreme Court. Conditions imposed by the male-dominated paternal society over mother-dominated maternal society during the transformation have taken away all rights and privileges of women and imposed several restrictions on women in the name of religion. Signs of slavery like iron chains and hand cuffs took the shape of metal chains, bangles, anklets and rings. Society is slowly progressing to do away with these signs of slavery.

Women were greatly respected in earlier societies as they only could regenerate, and menstruation is related to reproduction. Menstrual discharge was considered to be powerful. It is said Goddesses in Kamakhya and a temple in Kerala still menstruate, devotees collect pieces of cloth taken off from Goddesses as a unique holy prasadam. 

Menstruation is not a taboo or disqualification. Women voluntarily avoid going out due to discomfort during that period. Epics described Lord Ayyappa Swamy as Hari Hara Suta - son of Hari and Hara. Temples of Amaranth and Badrinath, Kashi Vishwanath and Dwarakadeesh are open to men and women, and now Supreme Court's unbiased, rational and progressive judgements have opened Sri Sabarigireesha temple to all.  Congratulations to women for regaining some of the lost rights. If worldwide a very fair slogan raised by all is ‘Equal Work - Equal Pay’, now the whole society has to uphold the banner, ‘Men or Women, Equal to God’.