Temple Federation and Warkari Organizations Oppose Proposed Chemical Coating on Pandharpur Vitthal Idol

Date: June 17, 2026

Temple Federation and Warkari Organizations Warn of Legal Action Over Proposed Chemical Coating

Religious organizations in Maharashtra have strongly objected to the proposed chemical coating process planned for the sacred idol of Lord Vitthal at the Pandharpur temple. The Maharashtra Temple Federation and representatives of the Warkari community have warned that they will initiate criminal legal proceedings against the temple committee and the Archaeological Department if the idol suffers any damage during the process.

According to the organizations, the Archaeological Department has scheduled a chemical protective coating (Epoxy/Silicon-based treatment) for the idol of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini on June 23–24, 2026. However, religious leaders argue that the procedure poses a serious threat to the centuries-old self-manifested ("Swayambhu") idol worshipped by millions of devotees across India.

The organizations pointed out that a similar coating applied during the COVID-19 lockdown period was claimed to last for ten years, yet authorities are now proposing another application after only four to five years. They contend that this raises questions about the effectiveness of the previous treatment.

Concerns have also been raised regarding visible deterioration reportedly observed on the idol after the earlier chemical application. Representatives questioned how damage could occur to an idol believed to have remained intact for centuries and stated that no satisfactory scientific explanation has been provided by the temple committee or the Archaeological Department.

They further argue that artificial chemical substances may block the natural properties of the stone, potentially making the structure brittle over time. Religious leaders believe that such decisions should not be taken without consulting Warkari saints, scholars of idol preservation, and traditional experts.

Addressing a press conference, Sunil Ghanwat, National Organizer of the Maharashtra Temple Federation, stated that if authorities proceed unilaterally with the chemical treatment, widespread public opposition could emerge across Maharashtra. He added that the organizations are prepared to approach the courts against both the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Committee and the Archaeological Department if the treatment is carried out.

A memorandum regarding the issue has reportedly been submitted to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, District Collector, and the Temple Committee.

The press conference was attended by H.B.P. Ramkrishna Hanumant Maharaj Veer of the Warkari Paik Sangh, Prasad Pandit of Pragnyapuri Gyanpeeth Akkalkot, Chandrakant Ramanshetty of the Hindu Rashtra Coordination Committee, Vinod Rasal of the Maharashtra Temple Federation, and Rajan Bunge of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

Demand for Organic Coating Instead of Chemical Treatment

The organizations have also questioned why authorities are insisting on a chemical coating for the Pandharpur idol when an organic restoration process was reportedly used for the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi in Kolhapur in 2015.

They claim that during the restoration carried out between July 22 and August 6, 2015, experts used powdered stone similar to the original idol along with traditional organic materials such as extracts of Baheda, Durva grass, and Bibba oil for the protective treatment.

According to the organizations, if an organic conservation method was considered appropriate for the Mahalakshmi idol, there is no justification for using chemical materials on the Vitthal idol today.

They further questioned whether the preference for a more expensive chemical procedure over a comparatively low-cost organic alternative is justified, expressing concerns about transparency and decision-making within the Archaeological Department.

Spiritual Leaders Oppose Chemical Coating

The organizations also cited the opinion of Jagadguru Shankaracharya of the Karveer Peeth, who reportedly expressed opposition to chemical treatment of sacred idols.

Referring to the traditional principle "Yatha Dehe Tatha Deve" (As with the body, so with the deity), the Shankaracharya reportedly stated that just as chemicals can harm the human body, similar treatment may adversely affect a sacred idol. He therefore expressed the view that chemical coating should not be undertaken.

The organizations questioned whether the opinions of traditional spiritual authorities are being adequately considered before making decisions regarding the conservation of sacred idols.

Warkari Leaders Demand Legal Accountability

Speaking on the issue, H.B.P. Ramkrishna Hanumant Maharaj Veer stated that several chemical treatments have allegedly been conducted on the idol over the past few years, and that visible deterioration has followed these interventions.

He also referred to alleged historical damage caused to the idol of Shri Mahalakshmi during earlier restoration efforts and cautioned against repeating similar practices in Pandharpur.

The Warkari leader emphasized that both civil and criminal legal responsibility should be clearly established before undertaking any scientific conservation process. He warned that if any damage occurs to the idols of Lord Vitthal or Goddess Rukmini, Warkari organizations and Hindu groups would pursue legal action against the concerned officials and the temple committee for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and damaging a national heritage asset.

Contact

Sunil Ghanwat
National Organizer, Maharashtra Temple Federation

Note: The views and allegations presented above reflect the statements made by the Maharashtra Temple Federation and associated Warkari organizations during their press conference. The concerned government authorities and the Archaeological Department have not been represented in this statement.