A Mumbai temple has waded headfirst into controversy after dressing up an idol of Goddess Kali as Mother Mary. The bizarre sight greeted devotees as they came to offer prayers at the Chembur temple on Sunday. The priest has insisted that he was acting upon instructions from the goddess herself — but failed to convince many of the outraged visitors.
The incident took place within the sanctum sanctorum of a Kali temple located inside the Hindu cremation ground at Anik Village. According to reports, the unlikely sight had sparked outrage among devotees and eventually led to a police complaint. Members of several local Hindu organisations had also led protests as the incident gained prominence. The accused priest was later handed over to the police by local groups.
Drastic transformation
Visuals shared widely on social media showed that the idol had been drastically altered by the priest — even painting the face of the deity white. Goddess Kali was also garbed in golden robes and given a massive crown with white embellishments and a golden cross on top. The background decorations had also been changed within the sanctum sanctorium to feature a large golden cross, fairy lights and tinsel draping.
‘Goddess Kali came to me in a dream’
The priest reportedly told the police that he had been commanded by Goddess Kali to assume the form of Mother Mary. he said the statue was created in this style on the basis of this dream. The explanation did not go down well — with the police arresting the priest amid growing protests.
Some local residents have also made unverified claims that the priest had been ‘influenced or paid by unknown individuals’ to carry out the bizarre transformation. A case has been registered and the police have reportedly initiated further inquiries. The priest was remanded in police custody for two days following a court apparance.