The reported damage to Jain Tirthankara murtis on the stairway leading to the Shaktipeeth Mahakali Temple atop Pavagadh hill near Gujarat’s Vadodara has triggered extensive outrage within the local Jain community. According to the media, the Jain Sangh of Vadodara, under the leadership of Maharaj Saheb, marched to the Collector’s residence on June 17 to formally lodge a complaint.
VIDEO | Visuals of vandalised idols of Jain Tirthankaras on both sides of the stairs leading to the Shaktipeeth Mahakali Mandir atop Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat.
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/TIpo8GKVji
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2024
Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi stated that following separate representations submitted to District Collectors in the state, the Government has directed the Panchmahal district administration and district police to look into the matter and “restore the murtis.” “No individual or Trust is empowered to demolish a statue or temple. An investigation has been ordered in this matter after Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel received the ground report and directions have been issued to have the statues reinstalled in their original place,” Sanghavi said.
Members of the Jain community sought an FIR against members of the Shree Kalika Mataji Mandir Trust of Pavagadh for allegedly removing the murtis of Jain Tirthankaras from their original place. The murtis of Tirthankaras (or spiritual leaders) – believed to be at least a thousand years old – adorned the old stairway leading to the Mahakali Temple atop the Pavagadh Hill. Seven murtis were allegedly removed during the ongoing renovation that was being undertaken by the temple body.
According to the FIR, Kiran Duggad, a member of Navkar Aradhna Bhavan Trust of Halol, received a call from a friend visiting Pavagadh on Sunday who informed him about the removal of statues. “My friend told me that statues of spiritual leaders of our community were found broken on the old stairway of Mahakali temple on Sunday. When we visited the spot, we saw the statues, including one of Lord Neminath (one of the Jain Tirthankars), in that state. Those responsible “or hurting religious sentiments should be held accountable,” the FIR quoted him as saying. The case has been registered under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
The Gujarat Government faces pressure to restore and safeguard the idols, underscoring their historical and spiritual importance. Upholding accountability and implementing proactive measures to prevent future incidents while respecting religious sentiments and cultural heritage are pivotal.
