Rajamahendravaram: ASI suggests chemical coating to crystal Shiva Lingam

Rajamahendravaram: The 14 feet high crystal Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum of ancient Sri Manikyamba Sahitha Bhimeswara Swamy temple of famous pilgrim centre Draksharama needs immediate repairs.

Performing Abishekams with fruit juices, coconut water, milk, curd, honey and water etc posing threat to Shiva Lingam.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials visited the temple three days ago and advised the temple officials to stop Abhishekams to crystal Shiva Lingam to avoid further damage and underlined the need of chemical coating.

Speaking to 'The Hans India', endowments department assistant commissioner KNVDV Prasad, who was also the temple executive officer said that as per the directions of ASI, Abishekams to crystal Shiva Lingam will be stopped.

Meanwhile, Abishekams will be performed to Bala Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum, which was given by Srungeri Peetham. As per advice of ASI officials, works will be taken up in the temple as it falls under ASI.

The executive officer further added, in the year 1991 and 2010 chemical coating was applied to the crystal and Darshan was stopped for some days. Daily hundreds of devotees visit the temple and perform Abishekams to crystal Shiva Lingam from many years.

In order to protect it, stalling of Abishekams to main deity was inevitable. Vibrations were also experienced by the priests. Meanwhile, Srichakram under Goddesses Manikyamba also be opened shortly, which was now partially visible, he averred.