Fall of Nepal's monarchy hits famous Indian temple dearly

If the abolishment of monarchy in Nepal didn't shake the Indian political establishment, it did manage to disturb the country's religious strongholds already dismayed by the declaration of the world's only Hindu kingdom as a 'secular nation'.

Case in point is the famous Hindu Shrine Jagannath temple which is said to be in a great deal of dilemma following the fall of monarchy in Nepal.

Traditionally, the former royal family in Nepal, which enjoys specials rights in the temple located in coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India, has been the sole supplier of musk for its important rituals.

But now, according to Times of India newspaper, the temple authorities are not sure how they will ensure the unhindered supply of musk which is obtained from musk deer, an endangered animal.

Since monarchy is no more in the country, the new republican government that has replaced it has frequently turned down pleas of the temple authorities to continue the supply.

"We have written several letters to the consul general of Nepal in Kolkata to supply musk, but we have not got any response,'' a temple official told the newspaper. ``The stock is depleted and we are worried because it is not available in India.''

Musk is used for rituals like `mukha singar' (facial) of the temple's presiding deities during the annual rath yatra, which is slated for June 24 this year, according to the paper.

The musk deer, an animal found in high altitudes of the Himalayan region, is reaching near extinction in Nepal due to massive hunting by poachers for its musk, a substance with a penetrating odor obtained from a gland of male musk.

Since ancient times, the substance has been used as a popular perfume fixative and is also one of the most expensive animal products in the world. nepalnews.com June 17 09