Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh – In a dramatic spiritual turn, Advocate Rakesh Kishore, who made headlines for hurling a shoe in the courtroom of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, reached the historic Jawari Temple in Khajuraho on Wednesday morning. His visit to the 10th-century Vishnu temple has reignited debate over faith, heritage preservation, and the limits of expression in a constitutional democracy.
Eyewitnesses say Kishore arrived at the temple early in the morning, offering prayers and spending over an hour in meditation before demanding the reconstruction of a damaged idol of Lord Vishnu. During his visit, several saints and sages from Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi stood in solidarity with his demand, giving a religious tone to what began as a legal controversy.
Rakesh Kishore, known for his strong statements and religious devotion, said his act was not one of disrespect but a desperate plea to protect cultural heritage. “Idols are not broken, mentalities are,” he remarked in a video later circulated online. The message went viral across social media platforms, drawing both criticism and sympathy.
Legal Battle Behind the Temple Controversy
The roots of the incident lie in a plea filed by Kishore seeking permission for the reconstruction of a broken statue of Lord Vishnu at the ASI-protected Jawari Temple in Khajuraho. The petitioner argued that the idol’s head had been damaged over time and needed restoration to retain the sanctity of the temple.
However, the bench led by CJI BR Gavai dismissed the plea, observing that religious sentiments cannot come in the way of preservation policies under the Archaeological Survey of India. In his brief remark, the Chief Justice said, “Ask God to do it,” which triggered outrage from the advocate.
The incident soon escalated when Kishore, in an emotional outburst, threw a shoe in the court, shocking the courtroom and security personnel. Though no one was injured, the act drew strong condemnation from the Bar Council and senior lawyers, who termed it a “disgraceful act in the temple of justice.”
Spiritual Protest at an Ancient Temple
Following the incident and his subsequent release from custody, Rakesh Kishore’s move to reach Khajuraho’s Jawari Temple appears symbolic. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jawari Temple is an architectural gem from the Chandela dynasty era, believed to be dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Speaking to local reporters, Kishore said he would conduct a Baglamukhi Yagna under a Peepal tree outside the temple complex on Thursday. The ritual, he said, would be an “appeal to divine powers for justice.” The event is expected to draw hundreds of devotees and religious leaders from across northern India.
Sources in the Archaeological Survey of India have confirmed that the temple site remains under strict conservation rules, and no physical alteration can be made without statutory permission. Any attempt to reconstruct the idol may invite legal action under heritage protection laws.
Social Media Reactions and Religious Sentiments
Kishore’s video asking “Sanatan devotees” to gather at the temple has sparked heated discussions across religious and legal circles. Some commentators see his action as a powerful statement against bureaucratic apathy toward religious symbols, while others criticize it as defiance of judicial dignity.
On social media, hashtags like #JawariTemple and #FaithAndJustice have trended regionally, reflecting the growing divide between adherents of faith-based activism and defenders of court decorum.
Prominent spiritual leaders have weighed in, suggesting that the debate should move beyond confrontation. “Reconnecting faith and law requires balance. Neither should undermine the other,” said a mahant from Ayodhya who attended the gathering.
Heritage Experts Stress Dialogue over Defiance
Cultural historians and archaeologists have advised restraint in dealing with emotionally charged heritage issues. Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, an art historian from Bhopal University, explained, “The ASI’s non-intervention policy stems from the need to preserve authenticity. Reconstruction without scientific backing can distort the temple’s heritage value.”
However, she added that there is room for dialogue between devotees, policymakers, and conservationists. “Community participation in heritage conservation should be encouraged, but strictly within the legal framework.”
As the story continues to unfold, Advocate Rakesh Kishore’s spiritual protest at Khajuraho has once again highlighted the fine line between devotion and defiance. It also underscores the complex interplay between faith, law, and cultural identity in modern India.
Whether his symbolic yagna will gather momentum or fade as a passing episode remains to be seen, but the conversation he initiated is certain to reignite debate about how India should reconcile ancient beliefs with contemporary legal and archaeological frameworks.
For more on today’s top 10 bold and shocking news stories, visit our India News Today Top 10 Bold Shocking Updates.
