At a flashpoint in a national argument over gender equality and religious freedom, two Indian women in their 40’s, reportedly have made history Wednesday at dawn by becoming the first women to breach a centuries-old ban on entering an ancient Hindu temple in India's southern Kerala state. /VCG Photo

It came following Monday’s protest joined by a sea of women, known as “women’s wall”, organized and joined by activists and leaders and members from India’s political parties. The protest saw a turnout of roughly five million women according to officials. /VCG Photo

Participants reportedly lined roads, stood shoulder to shoulder and formed a dramatic 620-km display of “human chain” in support of gender equality. /VCG Photo

The Sabarimala temple had been closed off to women of “menstruating age”, defined as between 10 to 50, due to religious beliefs that regard menstruating women as "unclean", but India's Supreme Court lifted the ban in September. /VCG Photo

However, opponents of the ruling continued to block women of all ages from entering the shrine. In the past, few women have made successful attempts to enter the temple due to massive protests, and many who tried have been forced to turn back. /VCG Photo