Hindu Janajagruti Samiti submits memorandum to Guardian Minister; seeks criminal action.
Nagpur (Maharashtra): A memorandum was submitted on 10 December at the Vidhan Bhavan to the Guardian Minister of Dharashiv district, Shri. Pratap Sarnaik, on behalf of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, demanding that criminal cases be registered against the officials responsible for the incident of damage to the ancient idol of Brahmadev at the Shri Kshetra Tuljapur temple. The memorandum further demanded that, under the Shri Tuljapur Tirthakshetra Development Plan, no changes should be made to the temple’s structure, and that space should be provided in the plan for lineage-based practices (kulachar), hereditary traditions, and other religious rites.
Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, Shri. Pratap Sarnaik promptly telephoned the District Collector of Dharashiv, instructing him to inquire into the incident and submit a report without delay. On this occasion, Shri. Sunil Ghanwat, National Organiser of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, along with Shri. Atul Arvenla and Shri. Abhijit Polke of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, were present.
The memorandum states that even before the work on the Shri Tuljapur Tirthakshetra Development Plan commenced, several idols of subsidiary Deities within the temple premises were moved. While undertaking works that altered the temple’s structure, no proper care was taken, and due to negligence, the ancient idol of Shri Brahmadev was broken into two pieces. This has hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
Despite complaints being submitted by several local organisations and citizens, why have criminal cases still not been registered against the guilty government officials even after two and a half months? The memorandum demands that this matter be investigated and criminal cases be registered against those responsible. It also states that, from a religious perspective, it is essential to review the Development Plan by consulting scholars of religious scriptures, religious leaders, and the Shankaracharya Peethas.
The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh demanded that the main entrance of the temple be retained as it was earlier, without altering the original structure by creating a new entrance at the rear.
