Kalbhairab statue located in Harishankar Temple damaged: Complaints lodged , seek action against culprits and protection of heritage structures

 

Sudhir Mishra/Bolangir.

 The Kalbhairab statue located in Harishankar Temple was damaged on May 21 by some unknown miscreants, causing concern and hurting the sentiments of local people. The statue is a historically and religiously significant antiquity, believed to have been made and installed during the 6th-7th century BC. It holds deep religious and cultural importance for the Adivasi communities of the region. The deity is revered as a goddess associated with ancient knowledge of chemistry and is linked to Buddhist traditions, where a similar form is known as Kalantak Bhairab, points out a complaint submitted to the police. The act appears to be a deliberate and malicious attempt to insult and outrage the religious sentiments of the Adivasi communities and followers of the deity. It constitutes an act of religious betrayal and vandalism of a protected cultural heritage site, it said. It is pertinent to mention that several other ancient statues and heritage structures in the surrounding areas of Harishankar Temple and Gandhamardhan hills are also vulnerable and lack proper security and safeguards. 

The incident highlights the urgent need for protection of the sites. The Gandhmardan Yuba Surakhya Parishad and the Kosal Mukti Morcha have lodged a complaint with Khaprakhol police, seeking strong action against the culprits.