Surat temple dresses up Lord Swaminarayan idol in RSS uniform

A temple based in Surat, Gujarat has come under criticism after images of Lord Swaminarayan dressed in RSS uniform went viral.

The issue came to light after a picture in which Lord Swaminarayan can be seen in the Sangh outfit (White shirt tucked into a baggy khaki shorts with a black cap and black shoes) went viral on social media platforms last evening.

The idol is also seen holding the national flag in one hand. According to Swami Vishwaprakashji of the temple, which is situated in Laskana area of Surat, the dress was gifted by a local devotee a few days back.

"We have a common practice of presenting the Gods idol in various dresses. This RSS uniform was given to us by a devotee. We do not have any other agenda. We did not know that it will create a controversy," Vishwaprakashji said.

Even as the temple authorities denied having any intention of endorsing the views of the right-wing organisation, Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela said temple authorities must refrain from such activities.

"What do you want to prove by dressing up the God in khaki shorts? I pity those who have done that. Today, you have dressed the Lord in RSS uniform, tomorrow you will dress the idol in BJPs uniform. This is very unfortunate," Vaghela said.

Gujarat BJP chief Vijay Rupani also said that it should not have been done. "I am really surprised. If at all it was done, I don't approve of it," he said.