Construction by earlier temple committee in Shri Vitthal Mandir, Pandharpur inconsistent with ancient construction

Archaeology Survey of India to remove tiles fitted even in the sanctum sanctorum

Black stones are seen on removing black tiles fitted in Vitthal Hall in front of the Shri Vitthal idol

Modern construction on ‘Namadev Payari’

Pandharpur, 13th April – Shri Vitthal Mandir at Pandharpur is the place of worship for people all over Maharashtra. ‘Tejaswini Aphale Associates (TAA)’, a private company working in the field of conservation of architecture, has accused the earlier temple committee of carrying on construction which conflicts with the original ancient construction. On the recommendation of the present temple committee, TAA has prepared a development plan for this temple, by studying every aspect in detail. In its report, TAA has raised objections to many jobs carried out in this temple, including fixing granite tiles in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. TAA has criticised that the work carried out was incompatible with the ancient architecture of the temple. The Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) is presently breaking down the objectionable construction under the temple’s conservation and preservation plan. Devotees feel that how the earlier temple committee could undertake construction conflicting with the original ancient architecture, without taking advice from the experts in ‘Dharmashastra’ and the ASI and what action the Government would take against the guilty. Presently, with the initiative of the current temple committee and District Collector, the conservation and preservation work has been undertaken for Shri Vitthal and Rukmini temples, along with 38 other family Deities temples, within and outside the premises of the main temple. The work will be carried out in two parts the conservation – preservation of temples and improvement in temple management. An amount of Rs 35.42 crore has been sanctioned for the temples’ conservation and preservation; whereas Rs 18.10 crore has been sanctioned for proper management and providing various facilities to devotees.

Tiles fixed on rock-inscriptions  

There were stones with inscriptions in Shri Vitthal Hall, which is in front of Shri Vitthal idol. Though those stones were solid, the earlier committee fixed tiles on the stones. It was observed that the old stonework was still strong even after the tiles were removed by the ASI. Those stones will be preserved, and the cracks will be filled with a mixture of lime, jaggery, etc, which will increase the durability of the ancient construction.

Other objectionable work is earlier done in the temple 

In the development plan prepared by TAA, the following objections have been raised and they will be taken care of by the Archaeology Department by taking necessary action.

The electrical connections in the temple are not done systematically and can cause harm to the construction of the temple. There are open electrical wires above the hall of the temple and the window used for ‘Darshan’ of the idol has electrical wires scattered anywhere and everywhere.

The donation box and its railing are very high in Rukmini temple, which causes inconvenience to devotees in having ‘Darshan’ of the idol of the Deity.

Clothes offered to Shri Vitthal-Rukmini are stored in one part of the temple, which can be dangerous in case of fire in the temple.

‘Dainik Sanatan Prabhat’ exposed the malpractices

The Government took over this temple and set up the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir Committee to manage the temple. The activities of the Committee were controlled at the local level. The temple is, however, a place of worship for all Hindus. It was built during the medieval times and is an Indian glory. It was, therefore, necessary for the temple committee to take the advice of experts in the field and scholars of Hindu ‘Dharmashastra’ before carrying out any changes; and also, to take ‘Warakaris’ into confidence. That was, however, not done. The representatives of ‘Dainik Sanatan Prabhat’ visited the temple and checked the development plan, besides checking on the work undertaken by the Archaeology Department. They also gathered information from the office bearers of the temple committee.

An appeal to all Hindus, including ‘Warakaris’

The action jointly taken by the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Committee, the District Collector and the Archaeology Department to conserve the ancientness of the temple by breaking down the incompatible construction is commendable. It is, however, necessary for all Hindus to take initiative and demand action against the people responsible for carrying out such unscientific construction in Shri Vitthal Mandir which is the place of worship of millions of devotees and a pride of Maharashtra and India. In case no action is taken, all Hindus, including ‘Warakaris’, should raise their voice against such things. Every devotee has to be alert and prevent every kind of malpractice from taking place in managing temples, which are our places of worship. – Editor

Conservation and preservation will ensure the ancientness of the temple

Though the earlier temple committee carried out the work using modern methods, the present temple committee is taking the initiative in conserving and preserving the temple’s ancient architecture by removing the conflicting work. This work, undertaken now, will help to preserve the ancientness of the temple. A proper plan has been prepared by studying the ancient nature of the temple with the help of the Archaeology Department. Action is also being taken on the suggestions given by representatives of different ‘Dindis’ and scholars, which includes a bullet-proof glass cover for Shri Vitthal -Rukmini idols; fixing CCTVs, facility of the idols’ face-‘Darshan’ for devotees, fixing screen for devotees to have ‘Darshan’ even from outside the temple, etc.

Editorial Perspectives

• The Government took over the temple for better management, but incidents of corruption and anarchy in all temples taken over by the Government are on the rise. Temples have become haunts of politicians to have control in the area. Temples should, therefore, be managed by devotees to stop malpractices. Now, Hindus should take the initiative in bringing this change.
• Who is responsible for such misrule in temples taken over by the Government