Lord Bankey Bihari gets bullet-proof security

Falgun Krushna Dwadashi

Lucknow: From changing a dozen dresses a day, to taking his pick from more than 100 different food items on the menu, Lord Bankey Bihari of Mathura has always had a privileged existence. Now, Baby Krishna has stolen a march over Ram Lalla — the resident deity of Ayodhya — by becoming the first divinity to boast of bullet-proof cover.
   
Devotees thronging the 150-year-old temple in Vrindavan were in for a great surprise on Friday when the doors opened. Facing the idol in the sanctum sanctorum was a 3.5-feet tall bullet-proof glass sheet. In fact, many devotees first thought it was part of the daily decoration until the head ‘sevak’, Khajan Singh, disclosed the truth: It was bullet-proof glass. 
  
“Once we heard that, the house got divided. While some welcomed the precaution, others were livid at the ‘sacrilege’ at the shrine,” says Babu Lal Gautam, a Mathura lawyer and a regular at the temple. “There are already demands for the sheet’s removal from a rival faction of pandas who are inciting visitors to join their protest,” he said.
   
Whereas the Lord couldn’t care a jot about earthly concerns like bullets or proofing against it, his attendants in Mathura have their minds made up. “The sheet is here to stay,” says Khajan Singh. “It was installed on the orders of the administrator civil judge of Bankey Bihari temple, Azad Singh,” he told TOI. The purpose is to ensure the safety of the deity which, incidentally, is reported to be second richest after it’s cousin in south, Tirupati Balaji. Mathura temple has many firsts

The attack on Ram Lalla in Ayodhya in July 2005, when terrorists armed with automatic weapons stormed into Sita ki Rasoi, must have played on the minds of security experts.
  
The administrator judge took the unusual step after reviewing the threat perception at Mathura. Mathura SP (city) Udai Pratap Singh pointed out the holy city has been on terror radar. Recent threats received by the district magistrate have added to the security concerns.
   
Although the powerful Goswamis, who monopolise puja rituals, had air-conditioning installed in the chamber recently, they have refused its lighting. “This temple has many firsts,” says Bechan Goswami, a priest. “This could be the only place where there’s no darshan at dawn as the child Lord is a late riser. Then there’s no blowing of conches that can disturb the toddling Kishenji. Diya-lighting is also a century-old tradition.”
   
“This will allow them a better darshan,” says Udai Pratap, who is sure the people will accept the new proposal.

Source: .timesofindia.com

Also See

• Photo Gallery of Sree Siddhivinayak Campaign
• Video Gallery of Save Temple Campaign