It is proper to replace idols except ‘Swayambhu’ idols as per Dharma-shastra : Vedacharya Ghaisas Guruji

Dharmashastra explained in a program held on ‘ABP Maza’ on ‘Vajralep’ on the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi

• HJS insists for abiding by Dharmashastra
• Mahant Sudhirdas also gave useful information on Dharmashastra

Mumbai : As per Dharmashastra, idol of Deity should not be worshipped even if it is slightly damaged because the divinity of the idol gets immersed. ‘Vajralep’ should be done only where there is ‘Swayambhu’, ‘Nirgun’, Nirakar’ devasthan.

At other places, a damaged or eroded idol should be replaced.

Since there is an idol of Shri Mahalskshmi Devi, it will be appropriate to replace it because any idol gets eroded. About 15-20 years back, a case of replacing idol at Saras Baug, Pune was filed in Court in which the Court also gave decision of replacing the idol. It is against shastra to give chemical coating. Natural and Ayurvedic method can also be used for coating.

The above valuable guidance was given by Vedacharya Moreshwar Ghaisas Guruji, the President of ‘Bahu-bhashik Brahman Nyas’. He participated in a program held on ‘ABP Maza’ TV channel discussing the issue of ‘Is there opposition to chemical preservation of Shri Mahalaskhmi Devi idol ?’

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) had sent a letter to the Central Archaeology Department (ASI) opposing the proposal of giving chemical coating on Shri Mahalakshmi Devi idol at Kolhapur as it is against Dharmashastra.

The discussion program was conducted on the TV channel in this context. Mahant Sudhirdas Maharaj of ‘Shri Kalaram Mandir’, Nasik, Shri. Ramesh Shinde, national spokesperson of HJS, Shri. Ajit Thanekar, Shri-pujak, Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Kolhapur, Dr. Satchidananda Shevade, national ‘keertankar’ and Shri. G. B. Degalurkar, a scholar in science related to Sculpture were the aother participants of this program.

The program was compeered by Namrata Wagle.

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat