Thirty-two-year-old Rehana Fathima was arrested this week after posting a selfie to Facebook which showed her dressed as a pilgrim and exposing her thigh.
The post came after the activist and model caused controversy last month after she attempted to be the first woman to enter one of Hinduism's holiest temples.
In September, India’s Supreme Court overturned a ban on females of menstruating age from entering the Sabarimala shrine, in the south-western state of Kerala.
The decision sparked outrage by community members, with thousands protesting against the ruling.
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In the two months since the ban was lifted, women have tried to enter the temple but have been blocked by large groups of demonstrators.
Ms Fathima is among those who attempted, but failed to enter.
Soon after, she posted a photo to Facebook that shows her dressed in the attire that most devotees of the temple’s deity Lord Ayyappa wear.
She is also sitting in the traditional Ayyappa pose.
Police charged Ms Fathima after complaints were made about the picture, which critics called "sexually explicit" and said "wounded the religious feelings of Lord Ayyappa's devotees".
She was unsuccessful in her attempt to get a magistrate to prevent her arrest and was remanded in custody on Tuesday.
Her family say she is applying for bail.
