Pandharpur: Ancient ‘Deepmala’ in Sri Vitthal Mandir damaged

Ancient ‘Deepmala’ was damaged while fitting CCTV cameras in Sri Vitthal Mandir

Devout Hindus lodge a complaint

Pandharpur (Maharashtra) : It was observed with great shock that while fitting ‘Closed circuit TV’ cameras in the famous Sri Vitthal Mandir, ancient Deepmala’was damaged. Mr. Vivek Benare of Hindu Mahasabha and advocate Prakash Kulkarni have lodged a complaint with the police in this context. (Congratulations to Mr. Benare of Hindu Mahasabha and advocate Prakash Kulkarni for filing a complaint with the police taking into account the religious sentiments of Hindus ! – Editor SP) News about the above incident has been published by a daily newspaper named ‘Nirbhid Apale Mat (Your fearless, frank opinion)’. This temple is an example of ancient architecture. During ‘Diwali’ festival, lamps number of used to be lit on this Deepmala. During the regime of Dipak Chavan as President of Sri Vitthal – Rukmini Devasthan Committee, he hatched a conspiracy to stop ‘Mahapuja’ of Sri Vitthal-idol giving the excuse of a report of Archaeology Department. In his regime only, the incident of fitting CCTV cameras has taken place. The damaged part of Deepmala has been hidden in the basement opposite lavatory so that nobody gets to know about the damage.

Written permission of the Archaeology Department was not sought before taking such action. Many local residents and devotees gathered near the temple on hearing the news about damaged Deepmala. Mr. Benare has stated in his complaint that the action of Devsthana Committee has hurt religious sentiments of poeple.