PONDA: Despite the controversy surrounding the Navdurga temple at Marcaim over its idol issue, the temple witnessed a huge number of devotees during the Navratri celebrations, which concluded on Monday.
According to Namdev Naik, local in spite of the controversy, it’s the faith in the Goddess that has attracted a huge crowd, which has doubled as compared to last year. Around 2000 devotees visited the temple each night during the Navratri celebrations.
It may be recalled that the locals feared that the Marcaim Navdurga Temple, would remain closed for the public following a row over the idol replacement.
The temple idol, which is unique in Goa, has a tilted head. Tension and presence of a large police force has prevailed in the Marcaim constituency for last eight months as the Mahajans or the temple’s managing committee attempted to replace the idol as they observed some cracks on it. The move to replace the idol with a new one was opposed tooth and nail by the Bahujan Samaj of Marcaim claiming it should be repaired and preserved.
The matter landed in Ponda District court, which ordered a temporary stay and ruled that that the Mahajans cannot replace the idol of the Goddess till its final verdict. The case was filed by the non-Mahajans. At the same time, the court had granted Mahajans the right to carry on temple activities in April this year.
