Abha Singh advised Bhumata Brigade to exercise restraint

Expressing disappointment over the confrontation of two groups of women over their entry to Trimbakeshwar temple's sanctum sanctorum, senior advocate and social activist Abha Singh on Monday advised Trupti Desai-led Bhumata Brigade to wait for court's decision in the Shani temple row before raking up a new issue.

She said that it was 'sad' and 'shameful' that Bhumata Brigade and local women of Nandur Shingote, where Trimbakeshwar temple is located, locked horns over the issue on the eve of International Women's Day.

"The Bhumata Brigade tried to enter Trimbakeshwar temple's sanctum sanctorum. The leaders have been detained by the police, primarily to maintain law and order. In Shani Signapur case, the Chief Minister had sent his emissaries to solve the issue. Since the matter is already in the court, the Bhumata Brigade should give administration some time," Singh told ANI.

The Bhumata Brigade supporters, along with their leader Trupti Desai, were detained by the police today as they headed towards the Trimbakeshwar temple near Nashik where entry of women is prohibited.

Residents of Nandur Shingote, who are opposed to Bhumata Brigade activists entering temple, celebrated after Trupti Desai and her supporters were detained by the police.

Desai had earlier demanded that women should be allowed to enter the inner sanctum of Trimbakeshwar temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Meanwhile, the temple trust has maintained that the ban on entry of women is based on tradition, claiming that no objection has ever been raised on the same.

The ancient Trimbakeshwar temple, located 30 km from Nashik, is a major shrine of Lord Shiva having 12 'jyotirlingas', drawing devotees from far and wide.