Shri Datta Temple in a building premises at Erandavane (Pune) demolished due to complaint by a Christian

Devout Hindus’ collective efforts enabled the reinstallation of Datta idol at the same site

Statue of Sri Dattaguru reinstalled at the site of temple demolition

Pune – In Satyam Industrial Estate, Erandavane (Pune), a small temple of Deity Datta existed for nearly 30-35 years, inside the premises of a building. Taking prompt action on a letter written by a Christian man named John Thomas, the temple was demolished at 12 midnight by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). As soon as ‘Vishva Hindu Maratha Sangh’ came to know about this, their officials and members rushed to the spot and tried to stall the action. The Police and the Administration stopped everyone and demolished the temple although it was not blocking the road and took away Deity Datta’s idol without giving any notice or information to anyone. Thereafter, Sakal Hindu Samaj and other organisations staged a ‘Rasta Bandh’ protest. The collective efforts put pressure on the Administration, and as a result, the idol of Deity Datta was recovered from the Municipality and reinstalled at the same spot. This information was shared on the Instagram account named Varapebhushan. The same information is being circulated on other social media and all the devout Hindus are expressing anger over the anti-Hindu action by the PMC Administration.

Following a Christian individual’s complaint, the @PMCPune demolishes a Datta Mandir located in the premises of a builiding in Erandwane, Pune

Despite the temple having been there for the past 30-35 years and not being located on the road, it was demolished abruptly, and the… pic.twitter.com/0P9UjWTEoL

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 7, 2024

Eventually, Deity Datta’s Arati and ‘Shiv Vandana’ of Chatrapati Shivaji were performed there. A resolve was made for the restoration of the magnificent old temple, and everyone decided to cooperate and contribute towards this resolve. PMC’s reaction on this issue could not be obtained.

Editorial Perspective

Administration takes prompt action against Hindu temples; however, they are scared to take any action against illegal mazars, dargahs, madarasas or places of worship of other religions.