The holy hill of Pavagadh has been grappled with a major controversy where on the way towards Mahakali temple, Jain leaders claimed that in the name of development, many hundred-year-old Jain statues have been vandalised and discarded in garbage by the authorities. 

This event has sparked severe protests within the Jain community in the Panchmahal area.

On the night of June 16, a large number of Jains gathered at Pavagadh Police Station and submitted an application stating that Jain Tirthankar statues near the Goddess Temple in Pavagadh were suddenly removed from their rightful places.

This act not only disrespects religious sentiments but also violates regulations and legal rights, acccording to leaders. They also urged immediate intervention by law enforcement to restore the statues to their rightful places without delay.

In Vadodara, leaders of the Jain community convened at Raopura Tower and subsequently many people departed for Pavagadh.

Pavagadh Jain idols removed to renovate stairs?

As per the Pavagadh Teerth Vikas Samiti trustee, the steps to climb towards Mahakali temple at Pavagadh are very old, on both sides of the steps there are idols of 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminath Bhagwan and 7 statues. 

Ahead of the development work of the old stairs, Jains had submitted applications to the Collector and the assistant superintendent of police (ASI) of the Panchmahal district, expressing concerns over removal of Jain Tirthankar statues during development work.

Despite the application, the statues were reportedly damaged by the authorities.

Regarding this matter, a Jain leader stated, “Even after submitting applications, we were concerned. How can statues worshipped by Jains for centuries be destroyed in any way? On June 17, Jain leaders in Vadodara will submit applications to the Collector, and after that, these matters will be taken to the High Court. Until the statues are restored, the agitation will continue. In every city, Jain monks will meet the Collector and file petitions on this issue.”

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