Climate Change Forcing Odisha Temple To Lift 400-Year-Old Ban On Men Touching Idols

Ma Panchubarahi in Satabhaya village is unlike any other temple in the country. Men can’t touch the five idols in this sea beach shrine; only married Dalit women from the local fishing community have the exclusive privilege of performing rituals.

There has been no exception for 400 years. With rising sea waters — brought on by climate change — threatening the very existence of the temple, the curb has been reluctantly lifted.

TOI