A Solapur court has temporarily stopped the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the murti of Bhagavan Vitthal, after devotees and warkari groups objected on religious grounds.
The court said the temple committee is only a custodian and cannot claim ownership over the murti, which belongs to all devotees. It also noted that an ASI report found the murti to be in good conservation condition, so there was no immediate emergency to override the objections.
The plaintiffs argued that modern chemicals like epoxy resin violate shastras and may defile the ancient deity. They supported traditional preservation methods such as vajralep instead.
The temple committee had planned the coating ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage, saying the work was recommended by the archaeology department to prevent wear and tear. But the court said that until the materials are clearly explained, the protective coating cannot be applied.
The order will remain in force until the suit is finally decided.
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