Kochi: A major controversy has erupted over the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) setting up a statue of ‘Mahabali’, a character born out of mythological lore, by spending nearly Rs 1 crore at the state’s only temple dedicated to 'Lord Vamana' this Onam. Right-wing groups like the Hindu Aikya Vedi have come out with stiff resistance charging the TDB with attempting to undermine the chief deity ‘Vamana’, the avatar of Lord Vishnu who, according to fables, stamped on the benevolent Asura king’s head and confined him to the netherworld.
“We’re not against Malayalis worshipping Mahabali or celebrating Onam as a festival to welcome the Asura King. However, why are they setting up a statue of 'Mahabali' at the only temple dedicated to 'Lord Vamana'. If they are so particular, they can set up the statue before the Thrikkakara or Kalamassery municipalities and not at the entrance of the temple,” said E. S. Biju, general secretary, Hindu Aikya Vedi. What adds fire to the controversy is the stance of right-wingers like K. P. Sasikala that Onam should be observed as ‘Vamana Jayanti’ instead of according much importance to 'Mahabali'. An article in RSS magazine ‘Kesari’ too called for the worship of Lord Vishnu, through 'Vamana', instead of King 'Mahabali'.
TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan said construction of ‘Mahabali’ statue has started. “We want to give equal prominence to both Lord Vamana and Mahabali,” he told DC. The idol at Thrikkakara temple, which is under the TDB administration, is in the form of ‘Lord Vamana’ preparing to place his foot on the ‘Asura King Mahabali’. The main festival of the temple falls during the Onam season.
