Kolhapur : The District Collector had given a word that action would be taken against Archaeology Department if any change occurred while undertaking the chemical coating process for restoration of the idol. In 1955 when such restoration was done, changes had occurred in the original form of the idol. Even this time, officers of this department have not referred to the references and photographs given to them of the idol and missed depiction of icon of ‘naag’. District Collector should, therefore, clarify to residents of Kolhapur how he proposed to keep his word given to them and action to be taken against the concerned department. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) will soon file an official complaint in this regard. The above information was given by Shri. Rajan Bunage during a press conference held at ‘Shahu Smarak’ on 6th August. Shri. Madhukar Nazare and Dr. Mansingh Shinde of HJS were also present on the occasion.
Shri. Bunage said,
1. ‘Shri-pujaks’ trying to prove Dharmashastra as wrong, to wriggle out of the situation !
‘Shri-pujaks’ did not see the ‘naag’ on the idol although they have been performing ‘puja’, giving bath/ abhishek to the idol for several years but the scholars on the subject have found references of ‘naag’ in rock-inscription and in ‘Karveer Mahatmya’ etc. Even a local child would not believe Shri-pujaks’ claim. They have already made false claims on different TV channels that the idol of Goddess was not broken; therefore, there is no point in expecting them to tell the truth now. They are, however, trying to prove the ancient rock-inscription and ‘Karveer Mahatyma’ as fake. ‘Shri-pujaks’ should have brought forth the facts and mistakes committed after coating was completed but they are now trying to cover up their mistakes, by making silver or gold ‘naag’. They should also declare what atonement they are going to take for the mistakes.
2. Will devotees get benefit of Deity’s principle even after change in its form ?
HJS had suggested installation of a new idol as the old idol is broken and eroded, by submitting various proofs based on Dharmashastras. But willful decision was taken for chemical coating. Now, there is change in the original form of Deity’s idol. In such situation, will devotees get Deity’s principle from the present idol ? The Devasthan Samiti should realize that there is no alternative but to replace the old with installation of a new idol.
3. Install a new idol in case the old one is broken or eroded ! – Akhil Bharatiya Vidvat Parishada, Kashi
HJS had sought opinion of ‘Akhil Bharatiya Vidvat Parishada (ABVP)’, Kashi in connection with the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi. ABVP, with knowledge of Dharmashastras, had advised that an old idol, if eroded or broken, should be replaced by installing a new idol.
The letter sent by ABVP in this context says that ‘It has been clarified in ‘Agni Puarana’ on the chapter of restoration that most of the people are sentimental about the old idol; therefore, they are not ready to install a new one; but it is wrong to perform ritualistic worship of a broken idol and old idol has to be given up. A distorted, broken or residual idol should be removed and new idol should be installed. (‘Vyanganbhagnancha Shailadhyam Nyasedanyan cha Poorvavat II’; ‘Ati-jeernan Parityet – Adhyaya 67, Shloka 1 and 2) Under this, the first idol should be immersed after performing proper rituals and if the idol is of stone, it should be immersed in water.” It means the suggestion given by HJS before undertaking chemical restoration to change the idol as per Dharmashastra, was correct.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
