Mumbai's Babulnath temple Shivling controversy has been ongoing for some time, raising concerns about the preservation of cultural and religious heritage. The Shivling is an important religious artefact for those who worship Lord Shiva. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the damage caused to the Shivling by the use of chemical substances, such as milk, sandalwood, turmeric, and ash.
BJP MP Mangal Prabhat Lodha requested temple administrators to allow worshippers to pour water during Mahashivratri.
The controversy was brought to headlines again recently when the temple administrators asked IIT-Bombay to suggest solutions to prevent further damage to the Shivling.
However, Congress leaders called for prompt restoration of the Shivling to prevent it from being ruined or 'khandit'.
Bhai Jagtap, the president of the city's Congress unit, visited Babulnath and pledged full support in the repair effort. Jagtap's assistant also wrote to the state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "rescue" the artefact.
Temple trustees claim they feel pressurised and have already asked IIT-Bombay to create a blue print for restoration, which is due by March 31.
The restoration plan proposed by IIT-Bombay will be crucial in resolving the issue and preventing further damage to the Shivling. However, the temple chairman Nitin Thakker stated that the Shivling is not damaged or 'khandit' and priests can still perform acts of worship. To prevent the damage, the temple is forbidding devotees from making any other kind of oblation besides water.
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