‘Haunted’ Lalbagh needs pujas, says astrologers
- Astrologers claim souls of those killed in accidents are present in the garden.
- Vastu experts have demanded that the garden’s architecture be changed.
- Officials play down the claims, stating they are focused on preventive safety measures.
FollowWith the deaths of two children in accidents at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden in in the past two years, astrologers and Vastu experts have declared that the landmark could be haunted. A six-year-old boy was in the park after a portion of a stone sculpture collapsed on him on December 26.
Daivajna K.N. Somayaji, a popular , noted that people generally believe that when someone dies a tragic death, his/her soul remains in the area of death.
According to some exponents of Vastu shastra, the present position of Lalbagh is not favorable as development and construction activities have changed the face of the garden, which would have an adverse impact on human life. "I have felt very negative vibrations at Lalbagh and changes near the gates are required; places where construction activity was done should be reexamined. Only then, can a spiritual solution be given," a Vastu exponent explained.
Another astrologer said when such tragic incidents take place, only a simple puja is required to ensure that the dead person’s soul will be at peace. Such ceremonies should be performed at the location of their deaths.
Chandrashekhar, deputy director of Lalbagh, downplayed the claims of spiritualists and said his department was busy providing compensation to the boy’s family and declared that it did not have time to think about ceremonies. "I will take up the issue with my seniors and decide the future course of action at Lalbagh. At present, we are busy placing danger signboards in all sensitive areas. Extra security personnel have been deployed near the pond, rocky areas and near the Bonsai garden where honey bees can be seen,” he added.
