Amarnath part II? Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga damaged

Khandwa, MP, June 30 (UNI) Amid a simmering controversy over an artificial ice Shivling at the Amarnath cave shrine, the authorities are planning to instal a new 'jyotirlinga' at the ancient Shiva temple in Omkareshwar, on the bank of the Narmada in western Madhya Pradesh, to substitute the existing Jyotirlinga which has sustained ''damage'' due to unknown reasons.

After noticing that a small portion of the one-foot-high stone idol had been severed a few days back, temple authorities made certain minor repairs -- in consultation with the state Archaeology department -- to facilitate unhindered worship.

Though the precise causes for the damage to the 'Swayambhu'(self-emerged) shivling were yet unclear, the district administration said the Jyotirlinga was damaged due to a natural weathering process.

Omkareshwar Temple Trust chief priest Swami Tejanand, however, says the Jyotirlinga suffered damage due to continuous rituals and being touched by devotees.

''The Trust is seriously considering installation of a new Jyotirlinga after submerging the existing shivlinga in the holy Narmada some time after August. Swami Jayendra Saraswati of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham is being consulted,'' he explained.

Omkareshwar, about 70 km from here, is one of 12 revered jyotirlingas in the country. It has a special significance because it was in a cave there that Adi Shankaracharya took 'diksha' from his spiritual mentor Govinda Bhagavatpada.

The cave shrine is located on a hillock named after Raja Mandhata, ancestor of Lord Ram. Legend has it that Lord Shiva, who was pleased with Raja Mandhata's ardent devotion, consented to appear as a Jyotirlinga at Omkareshwar, an island in the shape of Hindu reverential sign 'Om'.

Khandwa District Collector Nikunj Srivastava said the Kanchi Shankaracharya was being consulted to ensure that the sentiments of devotees were unhurt.

Admitting that damaged idol was not fit for worship, Swami Tejanand pointed out that at Jyotirlingas the place was of greater religious signifinace than the image. The Jyotirlinga at Someshwar in Gujarat had been replaced some time back, he said in support of his plan to replace the idol at Omkareshwar.

Meanwhile, the Temple Trust is also planning to place a transparent cover over the present shivling till a new one is installed.

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