No need to keep secrecy about matter related to chemical coating of idol ! – Prof. Ramrao Patil, Geology Department

Issue of chemical coating on the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi, Kolhapur

. . . they might have knowledge about historical matters since everyone is not familiar with science of sculptures or chemical coatings. It is possible to keep things confidential for hiding own ignorance. The chemical process is not a permanent solution to the problem. Such process is required to be done every 3-4 years. In such case, installation of new idol compared to chemical coating for preservation, is as per Dharma-shastra and it will also save lot of money required for chemical coating.

Will Hindus understand this ?

Solapur (Maharashtra) : Process of chemical preservation of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi’s idol has been undertaken by Archaeology Department and it is going on. It is said that information on chemical used by Archaeology Department for preservation process is being kept confidential; but it is wrong to maintain such secrecy.

In fact, giving information on chemical used will remove all doubts of people towards the process and could increase their faith in the Department.

There are many chemicals available for coating in the market. The officers of Archaeology Department are not disclosing the information because their knowledge on the subject is limited. They might have knowledge about historical matters since everyone is not familiar with science of sculptures or chemical coatings. It is possible to keep things confidential for hiding own ignorance. The above opinion was given by Prof. Ramrao Patil, former Head of the Geology Department of Solapur University and presently a Principal of one of the colleges at Mangalvedha while talking to representative of Dainik Sanatan Prabhat. (What does the Archaeology Department has to say on this ? Will it now disclose the chemicals used for preservation of the idol after opinion given by an expert in the field ? – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)

Prof. Patil said …

1. Generally Epoxy-coating is done with calcium carbonate. Components of Calcium Carbonate and bones are the same which could hurt sentiments of devotees. It is, therefore, necessary to have transparency about the whole process. Powder of diamonds is also used at some places but it is very costly.

2. After chemical coating, there will be ‘abhishek’ on the idol and it will be given to devotees as ‘prasad’; but if the chemicals used are poisonous or not good for health; it can cause harm on large extent. It is therefore, necessary to satisfy people’s doubts.

3. How long such coating will last depends on with what force such chemical is released on the damaged part of idol during the process. The Archaeology Department should, therefore, give scientific information for devotees to know.

Chemical process will have to be carried out every 3-4 years ! – Vilas Vahane

Kolhapur : The present chemical process used for preservation of the idol is not a permanent solution to the problem. Such process is required to be done every 3-4 years. Old coating will have to be removed to check level of erosion of the idol and only then further chemical process will have to be decided, opined Shri. Vilas Vahane, an officer of Archaeology Department, Pune.

In such case, installation of new idol compared to chemical coating for preservation, is as per Dharmashastra and it will also save lot of money required for chemical coating. Will Hindus understand this ?

Chemical process for preservation of idol will have to be repeated at intervals ! – Archaeology Department

Kolhapur : The process of chemical preservation has been started. As informed by District Collector Amit Saini, responsibility of taking care of the idol and preventing damage during the process lies with Archaeology Department. We have been undertaking such chemical coatings, preservations etc. since past 35 years. How long such chemical preservation will last is not certain. It may have to be changed after 3-4 years or even 10-12 years and it depends upon how the idol is used and ‘abhishek’ is performed on the idol, stated Mr. Singh an officer of Archaeological Department to a reporter of Dainik Sanatan Prabhat.

Spiritual benefit for devotees is more important than preservation of idol !

Deities’ idols are meant for devotees and not devotees for idols.

It is therefore, not appropriate to keep devotees away from the idol because it has to be preserved. Idols are not for Government nor are they meant for keeping in museums. As per Dharmashastra, installation of new idol in place of  a damaged one is the right thing to do.

Similar problems will be faced even in other temples till there are anti-Hindu rulers, who do not take advice of persons having knowledge of Dharmashastra. To deprive Hindus from obtaining source of ‘chaitanya’ and for elimination of Hindu Dharma, communists, intellectuals and anti-Hindu Government are working with all their might; therefore, establishment of Hindu Rashtra, by uniting Hindus and showing their power to such heretics, is the only solution to all problems faced by Hindus !’

 – (Paratpar Guru) Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale (6.9.2011)

Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat