No immunity from prejudice: Nepal temple cleansed after visit from 'widow' president

Every religion comes with the baggage of discriminatory practices and Hinduism is no exception, so much so, that even holding a constitutional position does not immune you from it.

According to a report in Nepal newspaper Republica , locals in Janakpur ‘cleansed’ the Janaki temple after the country’s president Bidhya Devi Bhandari visited the temple.

Her visit was considered a sacrilege by orthodox Hindus because she is a widow.

Bhandari’s visit to the temple on the occasion of the Ram Janaki Bibah Mahotsab saw huge protests by the Madhesis. Janakpur is the ancient capital of Mithila where this ceremony celebrating the anniversary of Ram and Sita takes place.

Dhanusha protest steering committee and Sadbhavana Party district chairman Sanjay Singh was quoted by Republica as saying, “Today we, protesters and locals, sprinkled holy water from the Ganga at the temple premises to purify it as widows are traditionally not allowed to perform worship there, and also no one is allowed to enter wearing shoes but security personnel in leather shoes did just that.”

The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) members also criticised the Mahanta, the head priest of the temple, because he made a girl dressed as Sita offer Bhandari a garland.

The Mahanta, Ramtapeshwor Das Baishnab who criticised the protestors, told The Kathmandu Post , “Mahantas are under the Ministry of Land Reforms. We cannot bar devotees from the temple.”

Widows in Hinduism used to be typically ostracised from society. With changing times though, they have been able to lead normal lives, but many Hindus still believe that they should not participate in festivities like weddings and poojas.