This is a classic example of how folks manipulate broad ignorance about Hinduism in concert with American sensibilities about public access to advance false claims of casteism.
Hindu temples are not touch-and-feel children’s museums. The inner sanctum (garbhagriha) is a highly regulated ritual space, and in most traditions, only trained priests are permitted to enter it.
Yet this exact claim (a person wasn’t or probably wouldn’t be allowed inside the inner sanctum bc of their caste) is constantly made as “evidence” of casteism.
It is not.
Not all priests are Brahmins and not every Brahmin is a priest. Priesthood is defined by training and sustained practice, not birth. These include yogic discipline, scriptural study, and a lifelong commitment to the sacred.
Restricted access to a consecrated ritual space is not the same thing as social exclusion. It’s about the commitment of the role, not entitlement of a member of the public.
A temple is not a museum.
But even in a museum, only qualified curators are permitted to touch the artifacts or exhibits. Sometimes this involves special equipment to preserve the objects. We don’t question that. We don’t think of that as a violation of patrons’ civil rights.
The argument advanced in this tweet reflects a deep ignorance about Hindu temples (no scriptural study) coupled with what appears to be a misplaced and - of her own volition - imagined sense of victimhood (no yogic discipline) about the scenario.
It is untethered from reality.
Pete Crow-Armstrong with an UNFORGETTABLE performance at Dodger Stadium today
- 4 STRIKEOUTS on 13 pitches 😤
- 9 WHIFFS 🔥
- Whatever this attempt of a catch was 💯
Luckily for him, the 50,000+ fans in attendance were taking selfies and not paying attention so they missed it
The craziest part is the news about Johan Rojas being suspended broke on March 3rd. The tweet by @EvanDrellich was on March 16th. So wrong AND late. Still waiting on the apology to Miggy and the Dodgers, Evan.
@PhilipsCare can you help me with my Sonicare For Kids Sonic electric toothbrush - Trial HX6362/02
The metal pin came off the toothbrush when I was changing the brush head.
Super Bowl LXI in the City of Champions
Inglewood, California-based rapper @dsmoke7 unveils the logo for #SBLXI, celebrating the grit and tenacity of Los Angeles.