The Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust (STDT) has decided not to allow Ranragini Bhumata Brigade (RBB) activists or any women in the Garbhagruh (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple, situated in Trimbakeshwar tehsil town of Nashik district.
Replying to a letter by RBB, the trust, in its letter dated Feb. 25 (copy available with The Asian Age), cautioned RBB against taking the law in its hands and reiterated it could not allow women inside the sanctum sanctorum, in keeping with traditions.
Commenting on the letter on Thursday, RBB President Trupti Desai retorted they had not sought permission from the trust but had told the trust they would enter the sanctum sanctorum on Mahashivratri Day on March 7. The STDT letter, drafted with numbered points, said: “All Jyotirlings are similar and equally revered, but the methods of puja, tradition and scriptures are different. All devotees of Trimbakeshwar Temple take darshan from the umbar (door) and only men are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum, and this is the tradition.”
‘That too, they are allowed during fixed timings and after wearing reshmi sowale (silk clothes). Since anadi kal (time immemorial), there has been no tradition of women entering the sanctum sanctorum and this tradition is being strictly followed today,” the STDT letter stressed.
It further mentioned that: “Many sadhvis (women saints), sadhvi mahamandleshwar and renowned women have taken darshan while following this tradition. Even local women have not demanded entry into the sanctum sanctorum.”
