Yielding to a high voltage campaign by activists, the Shani Shingnapur temple trust in Ahmadnagar district of Maharashtra today allowed women to enter the inner sanctum, breaking the tradition followed for several years. <br/><br/>Significantly, lifting of all gender barriers for access to the core area came on the auspicious occasion of "Gudi Padwa", New Year for people across Maharashtra. <br/><br/>Few hours before omen activists of Bhumata Brigade led by Trupti Desai entered holy platform at Shani Shinganapur. This time there was no resistance either from villagers or from Devasthan Trust. <br/><br/>Earlier the attempt of women activists was foiled twice by village women. The debate over the issue escalated after a woman, in 2015, tried to enter and offer prayers at the Shani Shingnapur temple, in 'breach' of the years old practice of prohibiting entry of women.<br/><br/>The agitation for women's entry gained momentum over the last few months, even as the temple authorities barred men also from entering the inner sanctum. On April 1, the High Court held that it is the women's fundamental right to go into places of worship and the government is duty-bound to protect it.<br/><br/>Even after High court decision women activists were not allowed to enter holy platform. Stand of Devasthan Committee was that no devotee will be allowed on platform. There is a local tradition of Ganga Bhishek to Loard Shani on the occasion of Gudhi Padwa.<br/><br/>This time Devasthan Committee refused to give permission to villagers saying if they are allowed they will have to give permission to women also. But Defying Committee orders around 250 men from Shingnapur village entered the inner sanctum of the temple and offered prayers to the deity. <br/><br/>After this incidence trustees held a meeting and decided to facilitate unrestricted entry to all devotees, including men and women, in keeping with the Bombay High Court directive.