In a decision that seemed to have shaken the entire foundation of a belief that had been prevailing nearly for about four hundred years now, the famed Temple of Shani Shingnapur Trust, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, stated that women would be allowed to enter and offer prayers at the open platform shrine, from Friday.
The decision was announced at one of the meetings of the trust and then announced by trustee, Shalini Lande. History dates back to over four centuries or so when women had been boycotted from entering and stepping onto the high platform on which a huge black stone that represents Shanidev or Lord Saturn. This welcome change was warmly received by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Pune-based Bhumata Ranragini Brigade president Trupti Desai, who had been actively marching and campaigning since several months to seeking women’s entry in the same.
Back in November last year, an unidentified woman had visited the area of shrine, which had ultimately led to chaos. Later, when Desai had tried visiting, she was detained by police. A writ petition was then filed and appealed for in the Bombay High Court by Pune-based lawyer Nilima Vartak and another leading activist, Vidya Bal.
Source and picture(s): Various Agencies.
Tags: Maharashtra Shani Shingnapur Shani Shingnapur temple women allowed in Shani Shingnapur
