Ashok Vatika to have new idols from India

Chandigarh, Sep 26 (UNI) The Ashok Vatika temple in Sri Lanka, where goddess Sita was kept in captivity by demon king Ravana, will have new idols of Lord Rama's family being gifted by a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) hailing from Punjab.

The four granite idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, which have been sculpted in Banga town of Punjab, would be taken to Sri Lanka by Mr Radhakrishnan, visiting minister of the Central Province of that country who is also chairman of the temple trust.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Radhakrishnan said the new idols, being donated by Kuwait-based NRI Ashok Kainth, would be installed in the Ashok Vatika temple in addition to the marble idols already in place there.

He said the need for the granite idols was felt in view of the Sri Lankan convention according to which marble idols were not considered appropriate for the customary 'puja.' The Minister said Mr Ashok Kainth, who hailed from Banga town, was taking keen interest in the renovation of the ancient temple of great historical and religious importance.

The Sri Lankan dignitary will visit Banga where the 'Ram Parivar' idols would be taken out in a 'Shobha Yatra' (procession) tomorrow before being handed over to him.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal and Punjab BJP president Avinash Rai Khanna would also attend the function.

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