Don’t consecrate statues carved by Muslims: Priest

NT Correspondent

After imposing a ban on mangoes sold by Muslims, a few right-wing organisations have called for a ban on the consecration of sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses carved by Muslim sculptors.

This is the latest in a series of bans demanded by these outfits. There are already demands for a ban on Muslims doing business near temples, playing the mike for Azan at mosques besides the demand that Hindus should boycott the mangoes sold by Muslims. It all started after the hijabsaffron shawl row rocked the State.

Sri Srinivasa Guruji, a Stanik of Sri Cheluvarayasawamy of Melkote in Mandya district said, “Muslims must not carve the statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. The statues and idols carved by non-Hindus must not be consecrated in temples. A statewide campaign will be launched in this regard.”

According to him, the shastras do not allow the consecration of idols carved by non-Hindus. Artisans belonging to the Vishwakarma community carve the statues of Hindu deities as per tradition.

The stanik said Vishwakarma community artisans study the art of sculpture in detail as per shastra, and accordingly carve the idols. He said he will tour the state and create awareness among people against the consecration of sculptures and idols carved by Muslims.