Massive Outrage Over Goddess Kali Idol Swapped With Mother Mary in Mumbai, Priest Arrested

A major controversy has broken out in Mumbai's Chembur district when devotees discovered the idol of the Hindu Goddess Kali in the form of Mother Mary in a temple. 

The temple priest Ramesh got arrested under the charge of hurting religious sentiments. When confronted, he said he did so after a dream where Goddess Kali instructed him to adorn her in the form of Mother Mary. 

However, local devotees and organisations dismissed his claims as absurd. They called it a deliberate attack on their faith and demanded serious action.

Police have now registered the case against the priest under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), hurting the religious sentiments of the community and have apprehended him. 

A local court later sent him to two days of police custody. According to a police official, cops are ascertaining whether there is any organised motive behind this incident. Are there more people involved in it?

Watch the video Goddess Kali idol transformation on X below

Goddess Kali As Mother Mary Controversy: What Happened

The Mumbai temple incident, which sparked controversy, occurred on Saturday at Mumbai's Chembur Kali temple near a Hindu cremation ground in Anik Village. 

Based on reports, the goddess idol underwent renovation recently. However, when it returned with unexpected changes in appearance, attire, and colour, it angered people who then lodged a serious police complaint against the priest. 

The video went viral, showing the goddess idol adorned in white robes, a large crown, white embellishments, and a golden cross on top. 

People noticed that the goddess, normally depicted with dark blue or black skin, was repainted white. The idol holding a baby in her arms represented Jesus Christ. 

Seeing the matter turning serious, the police swung into action and launched an investigation. 

The accused priest defended himself by saying he did this per a dream, but the police arrested him later on grounds of hurting the religious sentiments. 

Not Just the Idol, Temple Backdrop Changed Too

It was not just the goddess idol that caught people's attention. The temple’s backdrop was also altered with red cloth bearing a large golden cross, complemented by decorative fairy lights and tinsel drapes.

According to police officials, priest Ramesh is detained and questioned about his motive for this change, and whether he did it alone or was accompanied by more people. 

VHP, Bajrang Dal Condemn Incident; Demand Strict Action Against Culprits

Apart from devotees, right-wing groups, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, also criticised the Goddess Kali temple incident. 

They called for strict action against the culprits and requested law-enforcement agencies and the state government to initiate stringent measures to uphold law and order in the area.

Temple Undergoes a Purification Ritual

Witnessing widespread outrage among Hindutva groups and public wrath, local devotees organised a purification ritual at the temple. 

The idol underwent a Durgaabhishek (ritual bathing with milk) followed by a special aarti. Activists have further stated that the idol's traditional form has been maintained for years, and that tampering with it has hurt people’s faith.

FAQs

Q: Who is Mother Mary?

A: Mother Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ according to the Christian faith. She is also known as the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and Our Lady. 

Q: Who was the priest's name?

A: The accused priest’s name is Ramesh. When confronted on the temple matter, he said that he had a dream in which the goddess Kali instructed him to adorn her as Mother Mary.

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