The temple town of Kullu burst into unprecedented celebrations as the stolen idol of Lord Raghunathji, presiding deity of 300 local deities of Kullu Valley, was recovered and reinstalled in the temple.
Thousands of devotees gathered outside the Kullu office as soon as the news of recovery of idols broke and the Ashtdhatu idol of Raghunathji along with idols of lord Hanuman, Ganeshji and gold plated Narsinh Shila (stone) were taken in chariot to the temple at Rupi Palace.
People vied for pulling the ropes of the chariot, reminding of famous Kullu Dussehera festival when devotees pull the ropes when the idol of Raghunathji is brought to Dhalpur Maidan on the opening day and taken back to the temple on the concluding day.
The recovery of the ancient idol, dating back to Ramayana era coincided with famous Basant Panchami festival and the joy of people was doubled.
Basant Panchami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Kullu and people visit Raghunathji temple and pour colours on the idol, marking the beginning for 45-day long Holi festival which concludes on Holi.
The theft of idols had cast a shadow on Dussehra festival as about 300 local deities arrive at Kullu to pay obeisance to Raghunathji and stay in Kullu for a week and all activities revolve around Raghunathji.
Relieved over the recovery of stolen idols, the temple management and police are focussing on strengthening the security of the temple to ensure that there was no recurrence of such incidents.
The thieves had struck at the temple in January last year and again in December exposing the vulnerability of temple to thieves.
