Issue of changes in idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi while carrying out chemical restoration
Kolhapur, 7th August – A meeting was held at District Collector’s office on 24th July 2015 with Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), Shri-pujaks and Mandir Devasthan Samiti. The District Collector had clarified that Archaeology Department would be solely responsible for the process and it would be held responsible even for any wrong, if done. Now, it has been observed that the Archaeology Department, instead of sculpting serpent on the head of idol, made a crown and thus made change in the idol. Other important icons were also missing from the idol; therefore, necessary action should be taken against the concerned persons. The above complaint was lodged by Shri. Madhukar Nazare on behalf of HJS with the District Collector and President of Pashchim Maharashtra Devasthan Vyavasthapan Samiti on 7th August. It has been stated in the complaint that HJS would have no option but to stage agitation, if necessary action was not taken for wrong deeds.
HJS has stated in its complaint lodged with the District Collector that
1. The officer of Archaeology Department Dr. Manager Singh has said that it was forgotten to sculpt ‘naag’. Now, attempts are made to suppress the whole thing without bothering to see what the Dharmashastra says in this matter. It is a serious thing and devotees are deceived.
2. Archaeology Department did not disclose material it was going to use for chemical restoration; but after the process was completed, every officer of the department has been naming different chemicals used for restoration. Few reporters were told that first chemical process was done and coating of some natural material was also given later; whereas some are saying ‘ethyl silica’ was used for chemical process and some say that only natural material was used for coating. There doesn’t seem to be unanimity in the statements; but it looks like something is being hidden from devotees.
3. In the original form of idol, one could clearly see Devi’s lion but in chemically restored idol, it is not seen clearly. Eyes of original idol as can be seen in its photograph, look brighter than the eyes of restored idol and even the ornaments look quite dazzling compared to the ornaments of restored idol. All these things have created change in the original look of the idol; besides, the icons are also changed although its proof is found in ‘Karveer-Mahatmya’ and the rock-inscription.
4. In such situation, will devotees, who come for ‘darshan’ of the idol from far off places, get benefit of the Principle of Shri Mahalakshmi from the changed idol ? You, as District Collector, had given word to people of Kolhapur and should take immediate action against the persons responsible for changing the original form of idol of the Goddess, is a request made by HJS through this letter. You are also the President of Devasthan Committee; therefore, we request you to keep your word and do not draw wrath of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
