Ayodhya Temple with Ram & Laxman Idols Sans Moustaches of No Use to Devotees Like Me: Sambhaji Bhide

Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide on Monday said the idol of Lord Ram in the proposed temple at Ayodhya should have a moustache.

The 'bhoomi pujan' of the Ram temple is scheduled to be held on Wednesday at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be attend the ceremony.

Talking to speaking to reporters in adjoining Sangli, he said, "I have asked Govind Giriji Maharaj (a trustee of the temple trust) that the statues of Ram, Laxman you are going to install should have a moustache.

"If you are not rectifying the mistakes (of not having a moustache to idols of Lord Ram ) then for a devotee of Lord Ram like me, even if the temple is built, it would be of no use."

Bhide said before starting the "bhoomi pujan" (ground-breaking) ceremony at the temple site, an image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be worshipped. Bhide, who heads Shri Shivpratishthan Hindustan, appealed to people to celebrate the August 5 event of 'bhoomi pujan' for the temple on the lines of Diwali and Dussehra.

Speaking about NCP chief Sharad Pawar's recent statement that some people think building a temple will help eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhide said the veteran politician is a respected figure and should not have made that statement. "In fact, he (Pawar) should go for the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony even if he has not been invited. He will represent entire Maharashtra over there," Bhide said.