Devout Hindus protest removal of Nath Padukas from Shri Buvasiddha Dev temple in Rahuri

Administrative retreat
Planning of maha aarti inside the temple

Rahuri (Ahilyanagar district) – On 13 January, a maha aarti was organised at the renowned Shri Buvasiddha Dev temple in the city on behalf of the entire Hindu community. On this occasion, the Padukas of the Nath tradition were placed in the temple. Devout Hindus became aggressive after the government administration decided to remove these Padukas. Slogans raised by the gathered Hindus echoed across the area. After witnessing the intensity of the protest, the government administration adopted a conciliatory stance, following which the devout Hindu organisations calmed down.

On 13 January, a public awareness foot march was launched from Shri Buvasiddha Dev temple to Shrikshetra Madhi and Gorakshnath Gad Mayba (Pathardi taluka). After the maha aarti at Shri Buvasiddha Dev temple, a chariot procession was taken out through the city. The maha aarti was performed in the presence of the Nath Padukas by sadhus, mahants, former NCP MLA Prajakt Tanpure and BJP Yuva Morcha district president Akshay Kardile.

After the maha aarti, the government administration decided to remove the Nath Padukas. Opposing this decision, devout Hindu organisations turned aggressive, creating tension in the temple Premises . Police Inspector Sanjay Thenge said, “The issue related to Shri Buvasiddha Dev temple in the Rahuri area is sub judice. Therefore, to ensure that no religious dispute arises here and that law and order are maintained, police security has been deployed in the temple premises.”