This infographic done by our team will be misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misrepresented. So, I thought it is important to preemptively add some caveats and clarifications, even though they may be ineffective in the face of the self-righteous indignation of the self-anointed…
A debate is raging on allowing non-Hindus into Hindu Temples. We explore what the relevant shāstra-s say on the matter.
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@infinitchy
As you already mentioned, only the Temple Archakas are allowed entry into garbha griha of Southern Indian Temples, and none else.
In mid 1980s when I visited for the first time Temples in Northern/Eastern India, I was surprised to see everyone going into the garbha griha.
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@MNageswarRaoIPS
Yes, while in college, even before being aware of the politics around temple entry, I was elated to see strict enforcement of dress code and barriers in front of the garbha griha in temples of the south.
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@infinitchy
Entry to the GarbaGriha should be only to the presiding Archaka & his team of the day. That’s it.
The northern practice of all of us touching Bhola was a result of generational longing that came about after centuries of temple destruction by turukas.
#Gyanwapi
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@infinitchy
@Fishyman4u
How come Bhrigu Samhita talks about Turks? Isn’t Bhrigu Samhita an ancient text, and are Turks a more recent terminology?
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@infinitchy
It calls for courage and wrestling with conflicting thoughts to write this : many thanks 🙏🏻
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@infinitchy
I believe south has the solution for this...only Archakas should be allowed in the garba griha..others wheathers he is from any caste can have darshan from outside of garba Griha.
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@infinitchy
Coincidentally saw this video today by Sri Nigrhacharya ji where he presents detailed vidhi-nishedah for temple entry. Note that it applies to Brahmins as well in some cases
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@infinitchy
@Ravilochanan86
what to do when low caste mudi jumps into garbhagriha, makes his cameraman stand on sivalingam n take photos? wrench aarati from priests hands and start doing aarati?
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@infinitchy
The Bhagavad Gita says, a chandala, a dog eater and a Brahmin are seen as the same by the enlightened . Therefore anyone coming to the temple with clean heart and devotion should be welcomed.
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@infinitchy
Like most words in Sanskrit, a Chandala is a descriptive term (Caṇḍā चाण्ड = violence) for those who were wicked, violent, and impetuous and do not follow any rules of cohabitation, respect, empathy, and other conduct necessary for civilized communal living of the time. This…
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@infinitchy
So many Hindus don't observe sutak, rajaswala dharma or even bath properly and enter temples so best rule is to bar all but appointed priests into Garba Griha
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@infinitchy
The Hindu traditionalist position like that of yours on the historical and contemporary realities about "caste" is likely broadly correct. But, convincing the majority of elite urban English-educated Hindus may be a hard task ahead for the Hindu traditionalists...(contd.)
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@infinitchy
is it the matter of garbha griha or the temple as a whole well i agree that everyone should not be allowed to enter the garbha griha except the pujari.
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@infinitchy
Back in Udupi, Krishna made a gaping hole in the wall and turned 180 degrees so that Bhakta Kanakadasa who was made to sit behind the temple could see him. Even today, Darshan happens from behind. Isn’t that saying something ?
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@infinitchy
There is a correlation between the easing of adherence to shaatras and population count of Hindus (incl Pak and BD) if we look at last 200 years. Won't be surprised if it is a causal relationship
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