The ongoing controversy of installation of the new idol of Goddess Shree Navadurga Devi of Madkai seems to be never-ending with the latest being with the temple committee putting out an ad in the newspapers that religious activities at the temple are being suspended fearing a law and order problem.
It appears that the managing committee of the temple had failed to do proper preliminary homework resulting in the unnecessary controversy being generated. They should have had an “ab initio” brain storming dialogue with the Mahajans, Kulavis and Devotees at large explaining the importance of the occasion. Instead, they faithfully relied on their internal opinion followed by the sacred Kaul. It is to be honestly admitted that there was a small procedural deficiency in handling this delicate and sensitive issue of the sacred Kaul.
In any event they should have explained convincingly under what circumstances the old damaged idol is being replaced by giving necessary details such as the extent of damage and the age of the existing idol. It is said that the idols have already been replaced on earlier three occasions. Authentic details regarding the same should have been made known to all those concerned.
In Goa, annually thousands of idols are being installed at the residences of common people. Sometimes the idols while handling get damaged before or during the festival ceremony. What the folks are doing is that, without waiting for any Kaul type of rituals, they straightaway get the idol replaced in consultation with their priest. In the same way replacement of idols in temples is not new to Goa. There are many idols that have been replaced at our established temples reiterating the fact that the replacement of idols is an established local tradition.
In the case of the Goddess Navadurga at Madkai it seems that the temple committee wants to replace the idol while the villagers are against it. The solution therefore is simple. Give the old idol to the villagers while installing the new idol at the temple. This should satisfy both parties to the dispute and Madkai will be richer for the fact that it will have two temples, an old temple with a new idol and a new temple with the old idol. This will add to faith in the village which will thus get doubly blessed.
