Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Aug 6: The idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman made of Panchaloha (an alloy of five metals deemed to be sacred) which were meant to be installed at Ayodhya were consecrated at Kaniyoor in the taluk 29 years ago. Here is the background about how these idols landed in Kaniyoor instead of Ayodhya.

The movement pooling opinions in favour of the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Ram at the Lord's birthplace, Ayodhya, was in full steam in the year 1989. Plans were being drawn up to awaken Hindus to lend their support to the movement. On that occasion, the above three idols which had been taken to Ayodhya by the Kar Sevaks from this taluk got consecrated at Kaniyoor. As part of the massive campaign to collect Ram Shilas (bricks) from various parts of the country for the said temple, a chariot had left from Dharmasthala for Ayodhya in 1989. Along with the chariot, the Panchaloha idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman gifted by Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, were also sent to Ayodhya. However, as only the bricks were accepted at Ayodhya then, the idols were brought back by the same chariot.

As per the directions of Dr Heggade, the three idols which had toured Ayodhya along with the president of Ram Shila Puja Committee were worshipped by keeping them in the Hindu Unity Centre at Guruvayanakere. The committee had decided to install the idols if a new Bhajana Mandir comes up in the area.

Noted leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Subrahmanya Mucchinnaya, was one of the leaders who travelled by the said chariot to Ayodhya. His family is involved with the Vedic rituals in Lord Mahavishnu temple at Kaniyoor. In order to strengthen the Ayodhya movement, a Bhajana Mandir was built in 1991 at Kaniyoor Casba. At the request of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader, Dr Gangadhar Shekhar, Hindu Unity Centre handed over the idols to the Bhajana Mandir at Kaniyoor where they were consecrated, narrated Subrahmanya Mucchinnaya.