Devotees visiting Lucknow’s Hanuman Setu temple can no longer offer flower garlands to Lord Hanuman and other deities, following a decision by the temple trust to protect the idols from damage caused by moisture, insects and repeated handling of garlands.
We have, therefore, introduced this arrangement to prevent further damage and preserve the idols,” Tripathi said. Water sprinkled on them to keep the flowers fresh causes the colours of the clothes adorning the idols to bleed and stain their surfaces. Repeatedly placing and removing garlands also causes the paint on the idols to wear off. However, devotees can still offer flowers and garlands, which will be placed near the idols instead of directly on them. He added that an artist and painter from Jaipur, who specialises in the maintenance and restoration of temple idols, was recently called in to assess their condition. “We recently brought in an artist from Jaipur who specialises in the maintenance and restoration of idols. “The moisture damages the clothes adorning the deities, causing their colours to bleed onto the idols and affect their appearance. Repainting and polishing the idols is also an expensive process.
Temple priests said flower garlands often contain insects and dirt. Diwakar Tripathi, managing head of the Hanuman Setu temple, said the decision was made after concerns were raised about the idols’ deteriorating condition. He pointed out that the repeated offering and removal of flower garlands was causing wear and tear, making protective measures necessary,” Tripathi said.
