PAVAGADH JAIN IDOLS TO RETURN TO ORIGINAL SPOT

Govt issues orders for reinstallation of centuries-old idols after community members' protest

Following protests by members of the Jain community, the state government on Monday directed authorities in Panchmahals district to reinstall idols of Jain Tirthankars that had been removed from their original spot, allegedly to make way for renovation. The centuries-old idols had been placed near the stairs leading to Kalika Mata temple on Pavagadh hill.

While community members alleged these idols of Jain Tirthankars were removed by the temple trust as part of a renovation project, the trust clarified they might have been displaced while removing an old shed on the stairs and maintained it was not done out of any ill will.

These Jain idols were placed on both sides of the steps of an old pathway, which goes to the hill temple, but is not in use at present. On Monday morning, some community members noticed that the idols were removed from the side walls and put together at one place, said Jain leader Dinesh Shah.