Ancient Idols Reclaimed: Buxar Temple Celebrates Return of Stolen Treasures
In a significant development for religious heritage, seven Ashtadhatu idols, each approximately 300 years old, have been successfully restored to the Ram Darbar at Dhakaich Ram Janaki Mutt in Buxar. The idols, which were stolen nearly three years ago, were released from the Koilwar police station storeroom in Bhojpur and ceremoniously returned to the temple on Wednesday, sparking renewed devotional enthusiasm among devotees.
Historical Significance and Legal Journey
According to temple trust secretary Kanhaiya Dubey, these priceless idols were originally installed by the Maharaja of Nepal three centuries ago, underscoring their deep historical and cultural value. Their return follows a complex legal process, culminating in a Rs6-lakh bail-bond completion in the court of the chief judicial magistrate (CJM) on Tuesday. After their release, the idols were transported to Barka Dhakaich in Buxar district, where traditional rituals were performed before their final journey back to the Ram Janaki Mutt.
Lawyer Dhanesh Pandey emphasized the immense worth of the recovered Ashtadhatu idols, estimating their value in the international market at around Rs68 crore. This highlights not only their religious importance but also their potential as high-value artifacts targeted by thieves.
Details of the Theft and Recovery
The idols—depicting Lord Ram, Lakshman, Mata Sita, Hanuman, Laddu Gopal, and a crown—were brazenly stolen from the Ram Janaki Mutt in Badka Dhakaich on January 21, 2023. In a swift response, police recovered them the very next morning from a car near the Ara–Chhapra Mor, arresting one suspect who was also found in possession of a country-made pistol.
This incident is not the first security breach at the Mutt. Earlier, on June 6, 2011, three idols were stolen, and tragically, priest Bhuneshwar Das was murdered in connection with the crime. Three individuals were arrested for that case, and the stolen idols were eventually recovered in 2013 from the Koilwar police station area, later reinstalled after due legal procedures.
Renewed Devotion and Future Preparations
With the idols now back on temple premises, religious fervor has once again gripped the community. Temple authorities are actively preparing for their reinstallation, aiming to restore the spiritual ambiance that was disrupted by the theft. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting cultural and religious artifacts, while also celebrating a victory for heritage preservation and legal diligence.
The successful recovery and return of these idols underscore the importance of robust security measures and judicial processes in safeguarding India's rich religious legacy. As devotees gather to witness the reinstatement, the Ram Janaki Mutt stands as a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
