Women won their way into the Shani temple sanctum last week with the backing of the Bombay high court and the Mahalaxmi temple followed suit briefly here on Monday, only to later impose a complete ban on the entry into the sanctum.
Local groups allowed eleven women to enter the sanctum sanctorum of Mahalaxmi temple on Monday before announcing that it would remain out of reach of everyone except the priests. The temple priests have, however, stressed that they are not against anyone entering the sanctum sanctorum. Temple priests represent the registered body of Karveer Nivasani Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) Hakkadar Sripujak Mandal, which is recognised by the state government.
A meeting of local activists supporting entry into sanctum and those opposing was held on Monday. After the marathon discussion of over four hours, they came to the conclusion that both women and men should be prohibited from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. However, eleven women were allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum and perform puja to show respect to the Bombay high court order.
Satishchandra Kamble, one of the activists, said, “During discussion, several issues came up. We decided that not only women but men also should be prohibited from sanctum. The sanctum is very small and has only one entrance. This may create problems for devotees during heavy rush. Besides, if there is crowd in the sanctum, it leads to rise in humidity levels in the sanctum. This may speed up the corrosion of Mahalaxmi idol. We have recently completed the conservation process of idol and it is our duty to ensure that corrosion of idol is at the lowest level.”
Suvarna Talekar, who entered the sanctum, said, “We have obeyed the court’s order and have performed puja in sanctum to show that there is gender equality in Kolhapur. This is the land of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who has taught us to fight for equality.”
Without directly naming Bhumata Ranrangini Brigade leader Trupti Desai, she added, “We will not allow anyone who is not a resident of Kolhapur to disturb the tradition for the sake of gaining popularity. We will abide by the decision and not enter the sanctum. Men are also restricted from entering the sanctum, hence it is equality in the light of the HC order.”
Desai had on April 6 written to district collector Amit Saini asking him to take immediate steps regarding allowing women to enter temple. She has warned of an agitation and her supporters would enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on April 13.
Ajit Thanekar, representing the temple priests, said, “We have already made it clear that no one is prohibited from entering sanctum sanctorum of temple. On Monday morning, we met district collector and have explained our stand in this regard. The restrictions on entry for all have been in place since 2011 to avoid corrosion of idol due to humidity. We have submitted all the documents and proofs in this regard to the district administration. It is up to the district administration to take a decision. We will abide by the administration’s order,” he said.
Saini welcomed the step to allow some women into the sanctum sanctorum of temple. “Some activists have taken this decision but it is the responsibility of temple priests to take final decision. The district adminisatration has called a meeting on of temple priests in this regard on Tuesday.”