8 Temples in India Where Men are Not Allowed

India, a land rich in traditions, cultures, and spiritual mysteries, boasts thousands of temples that radiate peace, wisdom, and a deep sense of the divine. Yet, beneath the harmonious chimes, the fragrant incense, and the echo of mantras, there's an unconventional twist.

In this spiritually diverse nation, some temples exclusively welcome women into their sacred spaces, challenging traditional gender roles in religious settings. This blog presents a list of nine unique temples in India where men are not permitted.

# Santoshi Mata Temple, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Located in the majestic city of Jodhpur, the Santoshi Mata Temple, devoted to Goddess Santoshi—the deity of Satisfaction—imposes a restriction on male visitors.

According to legend, the temple's divine energy intensifies on Fridays, drawing women from near and far who seek peace, happiness, and family harmony.

Why Visit: The Santoshi Mata Temple is known for its powerful spiritual presence and is dedicated to Santoshi Mata, the goddess of contentment. A distinctive feature of this temple is its annual “Naari Puja” (women’s worship) ritual, which attracts female devotees.

# Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala

Referred to as the “Sabarimala of Women,” the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala occupies a distinctive position among Hindu pilgrimage sites.

During the grand Attukal Pongala festival, men are not permitted, and millions of women come together to offer ‘Pongal’ (a sweet dish), creating a breathtaking spectacle. This event is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women worldwide.

Why Visit: The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, celebrated as the “Sabarimala of Women,” is renowned for the Attukal Pongala festival, where millions of women gather to present Pongala to the goddess.

# Chakkulathukavu Temple, Kerala

Another gem from God’s Own Country, the Chakkulathukavu Temple, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple’s standout feature is its annual ritual, the ‘Naari Puja.’

On the first Friday of December, the temple becomes a scene of divine feminism as the priests wash the feet of female devotees, honoring them as embodiments of the Goddess.

Why Visit: The Chakkulathukavu Temple is renowned for its distinctive ritual where women take on priestly roles during the annual “Naari Puja.”

# Bhagwati Maa Temple, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Located at the southernmost tip of India, the Bhagwati Maa Temple honors Kanya Kumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

While men are permitted on the temple grounds, they are not allowed inside the inner sanctum, particularly during the ‘Kumari Puja’ ceremony, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine.

Why Visit: The Bhagwati Maa Temple is notable for its unique practice of restricting male access to the inner sanctum and its dedication to celebrating the divine feminine.

# Brahma Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan

At the famous Brahma Temple in Pushkar, men are allowed on the premises but are not permitted to perform priestly duties or participate in rituals.

These responsibilities are entrusted solely to married women, who conduct prayers to Lord Brahma, the God of Creation, highlighting a notable departure from traditional male roles.

Why Visit: The Brahma Temple in Pushkar, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, is renowned for its annual Pushkar Fair and the unique restrictions imposed during specific festivals.

# Mata Temple, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

The Mata Temple in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is a distinctive shrine where men are not allowed on the premises during a specific period of the Hindu month of Magha.

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, the temple exudes a powerful feminine energy, welcoming women to come, worship, and celebrate their femininity.

Why Visit: The Mata Temple is notable for its unique restriction, allowing only married women to enter the inner sanctum.

# Kamrup Kamakhya Temple, Assam

The Kamrup Kamakhya Temple in Assam, famous for venerating the ‘Bleeding Goddess,’ restricts men from entering during the Ambubachi Mela—a festival that celebrates the goddess’s menstruation cycle.

This temple highlights the power of womanhood and the natural menstruation process, emphasizing the respect and dignity of women.

Why Visit: The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is a major Shakti Peetha and is renowned for its Ambubachi Mela.

# Lord Brahma Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

In the architectural wonderland of Khajuraho, the Lord Brahma Temple is distinguished by its unique tradition. Here, only married women are permitted to enter the sanctum and offer their prayers to the deity, symbolizing the connection between the creator and his creation.

Why Visit: The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma and is celebrated for its architectural splendor and spiritual importance.