Happy To Bleed

The intention of the Sabarimala Board to install machines, to prevent menstruating women from entering the temple, to maintain its chaste traditions, has invited derision on social media. The consequence:   “Happy To Bleed” campaign posts on Facebook & debate on the India Today TV channel.

Hinduism has seen a plethora of reform movements; though shunned initially, were ultimately accepted since Hinduism promotes a philosophy that encourages a contrarian view to ensure that only the best emerges post a debate. Many monotheistic religions see the polytheistic Hinduism as heretic, forgetting that the very option to pray to one or multiple gods is “democratic” that allows for debate & reform. The Bhakti movement started in the 7^th century AD & reached its zenith during the 12 -18^th centuries, all in an effort to reform Hinduism. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the founder of the Brahmo Samaj, started his efforts at banning “Sati” – woman’s self-immolation in the funeral pyre of her deceased husband – in 1812 & was successful in getting a law passed, only, in 1829, with the help of Viceroy, William Bentinck.  Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar got the Widow re-marriage Act passed in 1856 after much effort; his campaign FOR women education & AGAINST child marriage & Polygamy were only partially successful though, during his lifetime.  Similarly, Dalits', disdainfully, were not allowed temple entry till Mahatma Gandhi, pushed their cause.  While these 3 reforms were taken up by 3 greats, preventing women from getting excommunicated from the household during the 3 day menstruating period has been successfully achieved by both feminists & “modern” common men which is an encouraging sign. 

Reforms, therefore, should continue & delightfully each of the reform attempted has gained quicker acceptance as compared to the preceding one. “Shock therapy” with religious reform as with an “economic” one might backfire. Reform we must, but only post a nuanced debate & building a consensus.