With reference to Baroness Flather’s comment with regards to the Swaminarayan Santha priests remain isolated from seeing the faces of women in 21st centaury published in Asian Voice 13-19 April 2019.
Before I reply, I would like to make clear that Neasden temple’s devotees are giving excellent selfless services to the community. Swaminarayan have successfully spread the culture of Hinduism in the world. I whole-heartedly respect the teachings of Swaminarayan Bagwan.
Below is short reviews (March 2007) of two women published in travl.ciao.co.uk/Swaminarayan mandir Neasden.
Does Hinduism discriminate women?
I was open minded enough to visit the most beautiful temple outside India, however I was unfairly treated.
I took my boyfriend with me and to my surprise, the current Shri Swaminarayan wanted to speak to my boyfriend, rather than me and was told that ‘I wasn’t allow to see the Swaminarayan’.
When I asked the member of the staff about this, they said the Swaminarayan had taken a vow of ‘Chastity’!
Hinduism is supposed to be a philosophy rather than a doctrine religion and it is a shame that the religion is practiced in such a way by some people and the worst of all, women accept this injustice imposed on them.
Miss A
By email
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A woman devotee of Neasden temple replies her with title:
Mutual Respect for the Sexes
I wish to clarify the issue of speaking to sadhus and discrimination. Our sadhus are ordained and follow strict religious guidance’s. There are also appropriate lines of communication within the mandir infrastructure, which allow female devotees to write the sadhus through a male intermediary for any guidance or clarification should they wish to or want to.
Anyone who properly practices Hinduism will know that it does not discriminate against women on every stage of their life, ie education, marriage, childbirth, etc. in order to enrich their lives.
I feel that this review is an insult to Hindu females and even to the men who attend the Swaminarayan Mandir. To suggest that Hinduism discriminates against women creates prejudice, and hampers spiritual development is wrong. I totally disagree with this statement.
Miss B
By email
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In the past I have written to the senior sadhus to abolish this out dated rules that has created lots of injustice to mankind especially to women. Sadhus of Swaminarayan Sanstha should realize we are all human beings of one God
Why sadhus consider themselves as different?
Manoj
Hemel Hempstead
