HJS’s press meet at Kolhapur
Issue of giving ‘Vajralep’ on the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi
Kolhapur (Maharashtra) : A case was fought in Court on the issue of giving ‘Vajralep’ on the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi with Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti and Shripujak as plaintiffs and defendant when Devasthan Samiti gave in writing that one hand of the idol has been damaged by wife of one priest; but nobody has been held responsible for the same.
Today, it is stated that the Court has given time upto 31st August for giving chemical coating on the idol; but that is not the truth as this dispute seems to have been settled by Shripujak and Devasthan Samiti outside Court. They have informed the Court, ‘we will amicably get the chemical coating done’ and it has been accepted by the Court.
This is evident from the papers; therefore, there seems to be something fishy in the hurry behind completing chemical coating of the idol. The above opinion was given by Shri. Ramesh Shinde, the national spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) during a press conference held on 25th July. Advocate Shri. Veerendra Ichalkaranjikar, all-India President of ‘Hindu Vidhidnya Parishada’ also presented important points during the press conference.
Shri. Ramesh Shinde said,
1. The Court had not stipulated any time limit even in case of Shriram Mandir and had advised only to resolve the dispute.
2. District Collector has promised to have discussions with us after 6th August since we presented points on restoration of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi idol as per Dharma-shastra.
3. We will present even other wrong things observed in this temple during discussions.
4. Today, Shripujak are saying that idol of Deity is not broken; but what they have given in Court, in writing, is something different; therefore, we feel that there is something fishy in the matter.
5. Shripujak had sought advice of Shankaracharya of Shrungeri Peetha. He too had advised in the year 2002 that giving such coating was wrong.
6. In the year 1955, it is clearly seen (shows picture) that a belt has been tied to the waist of the idol. Sari is not seen properly and still it was given a coating. Now if holes are going to be drilled in the idol for chemical coating, it would be wrong. We have never said that we would come on the street and stage agitation.
7. As informed by the District Collector, if Archaeology Department is ready to take responsibility, it is ok but we insist for taking action as per Dharma-shastra.
Advocate Shri. Ichalkaranjikar said,
1. The malpractices of Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti were taking place in front of Shripujaks; but why nobody said anything against it all these days ?
2. People should know what metallic coating is. How are you going to fill up the damaged parts should be brought forth for information of citizens. You say that the idol would be given some injection, but what does it exactly mean ? Injection is given to human but a hole is drilled in an idol.
3. They always say that we were late; there was delay in raising objection. All these years, however, you had the responsibility of taking care of the idol, then why did you not do it properly?
4. In 1955, as shown in the picture, if the condition of the idol is so bad; after 60 years, one can imagine what must be its condition ?
5. The idol was given a support on the back. The idol is likely to be broken in pieces; therefore, it is going to be joined and preserved with chemical coating.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
