New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he was shocked to know that his fans have built a temple for him.
Saying that he was appalled at the news, the PM said building such temples was against India's great traditions.
On microblogging website Twitter, the PM further urged those who have built the temple to devote their time and resources towards fulfilling his dream of a `Clean India`.
Have seen the news about a Temple being built in my name. I was appalled. This is shocking & against India's great traditions.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015
Building such Temples is not what our culture teaches us. Personally, it made me very sad. Would urge those doing it not to do it.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015
If you have time & resources, please devote the same towards fulfilling our dream of a Clean India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015
Hours after the PM's response, Ramesh Undhad, a former councillor who headed the project to collect funds, said he has now decided to cancel inauguration of "Modi temple".
"We felt pained that we hurt sentiments of our 'God' (Modi) and after his displeasure we have covered his idol installed at the temple," Undhad said, adding it will soon be removed.
"PM Modi remains in our heart. We will take part in Clean India movement," added Undhah.
Another member of the 'Om Yuva Group', Jayesh Patel, said the temple will now be dedicated to 'Bharat Mata', whose idol will be installed at the shrine which has cost Rs seven lakh to build.
On Wednesday, reports said that supporters of Prime Minister Modi in Rajkot have built a temple for him.
The temple, with a bust of Modi in the sanctum, stands on Kothariya road and was scheduled to be inaugurated on February 16.
"It is a first of its kind in Gujarat, temple of a living person," Patel had said on Wednesday.
More than 350 members of the group had joined hands to construct it by collecting small donations and now planned to conduct daily worship there.
(With PTI inputs)
