ASI to replace Parvati idol at Trimbak temple

Nashik: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Aurangabad Circle, received a letter from its headquarters to replace the dilapidated ancient Parvati idol in Trimbakeshwar temple. Trustees of the temple had approached the ASI seeking replacement or repair of the idol last year.
The letter states that the competent authority has agreed to the proposal of the Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust for replacing the idol of Goddess Parvati with a new one with same material and dimensions as recommended by the superintending archaeologist, ASI, Aurangabad Circle in a letter to the head office in Delhi.The letter also directs ASI, Aurangabad Circle to ensure that no damage is caused to the monument or its parts during the shifting of the idol.
"The idol is in a bad shape and hence, it will be replaced. We received a letter from our head office to replace it. We will start with the work soon," said an official from the archaeology department.
Some trustees of Trimbakeshwar temple had met director general of the ASI, New Delhi, Rakesh Tewari and requested his intervention in conserving the idol that has been carved out of a single stone in the 18th century. Tewari had written to the chemology department of Aurangabad Circle. In April, Tewari sent an email to the state archaeology department to inspect the idol after the trustees met him again.
The state archaeology department was asked by ASI, New Delhi to inspect the ancient Parvati idol at the main temple of Trimbakeshwar. The state archaeology department had sought advice from the science branch of the department in April to conserve the ancient Parvati idol in the main temple of Trimbakeshwar. "We had met Tewari twice and now, finally, the order to replace the idol has been issued. We have been given a copy," said Lalita Shinde, one of the trustees.