PANJIM: There were animated protests at Porvorim at the pruning and uprooting of the sacred Banyan tree, at the place known as Vadakade, on Sunday night. The deity Lord Khapreshwar and the shrine too have been removed. Herald Media asked people why people and devotees not taken into confidence were and whether proper procedures were followed to shift the deity?
There is only one thing to like about this government –construction of Highways. The finish the trees, temples and people’s houses. They claim that they have done development. What kind of development? This Khapreshwar who guards and protects people. Even if you go to Lord Mahadev’s temple, God says first you have to pay obeisance to Khapreshwar who is outside and then come before me. But without a care in the world they lift Khapreshwar himself? They are cutting their own feet. Now nothing will remain. There are five Khapreshwars, they have protected Goa. If we get to roam in Goa with swollen chests, it is because of these Gods.
Tara Kerkar, Social Activist
This matter was before the High Court of Bombay at Goa. And the High Court issued an order that the Banyan tree could be translocated. It cannot be said that they did not follow procedure. And that order was not challenged further. The second part of the story is why the statue of the deity had to be touched. That is not in the order. One side of the argument is that while uprooting the Banyan tree, the shrine could have collapsed and it could have been in a very sad state. Hence the government decided let us do it by following the necessary rituals and the rituals have been performed. There are some other terms also, such as consent terms, what is it we don’t know. But definitely whether the banyan tree will survive, wont survive, is another story. But there is a court order that the banyan tree can be translocated.
Trajano D’Mello, Political Commentator
When politicians become selfish and greedy, they even put their hands on God. They just don’t get scared. Yesterday we have seen this in Porvorim, the manner in which mockery was made of Khapreshwar. They have moved the idol of the deity on Brahma-murth. If you get up early and perform the pooja on Brahma-murth, then God helps us. At that time they moved the deity, there is no greater since than that. There is no way of cleansing yourself from such sin. This government is destroying our rivers, springs, forests and mountains. They are out to finish the birds and animals. They are out to destroy Goa in the name of development. Wake up Goenkara, wake up. We need to save Goa for the next generation.
Xencor Polgi, Social Activist