​Shani temple in Thane shows the way ahead

A Peshwa period Shani temple in Thane sees hundreds of women praying inside on Saturdays. The temple has never stopped any woman from praying or offering arti to the deity.

The Killa Maruti Mandir in Thane, located besides the Central jail, is one of the oldest Shani temples in the city and was reportedly founded during the Peshwa reign. Women are allowed inside the temple and pray to the idol, which is believed to have come from the ground itself.

Temple priest Mukund Pathak, who has been in the position for the last 50 years, said, "We never stopped women from praying or entering the temple, as we never had any such rules. All men and women should have an equal opportunity to pray."

Sangeeta Pathak, his sister-in-law, lives with her husband and daughter inside the temple premises. She is the one who cleans the temple and opens the doors for devotees daily. "We have always been open to women devotees. They are also allowed to offer oil and milk to the idol. No one stops them from doing so," said Sangeeta.

One of the devotees, Sushma Sajekar, is a regular attendee. She said, "I feel that praying to god should not be gender based. I have been praying in this temple since I was small. I feel blessed by that.