Traditionalists Divided Over Sri Sri Mediating Shani Temple Issue

Temple trust members say Sri Sri is not aware of the traditions.

The Shani Shingnapur temple. (Photo: Website of the temple)

Proponents of the tradition prohibiting women entering the sanctum of Shani temple in Shingnapur have a problem. They seem to be divided on the proposed mediation of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to break the deadlock.

Opposing the mediation, Shaneshwar Devasthan Bachao Kruti Samiti president Sambhajiraje Patil said, the Samiti and villagers of Shingnapur do not approve such offer. Patil claimed Ravishankar “is not aware of the religious practices and customs...it is a political ploy”.

However, ‘Shri Shaneshwar Devsthan Trust’ said a decision on the issue of the deadlock will be taken after holding meeting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on 7 February. The trust which manages the affairs of the temple situated in Ahmednagar district is opposed to the idea.

In a statement, Patil requested seers in Ahmednagar district to take the lead and put an end to the controversy. He claimed there was no discrimination between men and women at the shrine.

Patil said the Samiti won’t tolerate any attempts to “trample upon” age-old practices. He said the women’s body “needlessly” created the controversy on the issue.

Women have been allowed entry to the shrine and they have been making offerings at the Udasi Maharaj Math there. Entry of both men and women has been banned since ages and there is no discrimination in that respect. 

Sambhajiraje Patil, President of <i>Shaneshwar Devasthan Bachao Kruti Samiti</i>

Over 400 women, mainly hailing from Pune, led by Desai, had launched a protest against the tradition of not allowing women at the inner platform of the temple last month.

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