Four women activists tried to offer prayers at the famous Shani temple in Ahmednagar district where the move last month by a woman to defy convention and offer obeisance at the shrine triggered a debate on gender discrimination.

The four activists who belong to a Pune-based women group, Humata Ranragini Brigade, tried to barge into the restricted area of the Shani temple on December 20 but the security staff at the temple managed to overpower the activists and prevent their entry.