Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Image metamorphosis

This refers to the report that a sculpture of Mahavira has been converted into an idol of a Hindu goddess in a village in Coimbatore (July 4). All over Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, many abandoned sculptures of Mahavira and the Buddha have been transformed into Hindu gods and goddesses bearing delightfully invented new names. This is certainly better than shifting the sculptures to archaeological museums and allowing them to gather dust, which is nothing but cultural vandalism of sorts.

R. Venkatraman,
Madurai

* * *

Metamorphosis of idols has taken place in every corner of Tamil Nadu. The locals perhaps transform Jain and Buddhist images into those of Hindu gods and goddesses without any mala fide intention. But what is worrying is the intrusion of fundamentalist forces that follows the metamorphosis. It leads to the entry of Vedic priests into the temples who deny Dalits and other socially backward communities entry. If metamorphosis benefits all, it is welcome. But if it leads to unpleasant developments, it is our duty to prevent it.

S. Xavier,
Tiruchi

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