Priced at Rs 100, the Shivlinga pendants would be sold from Speaking Stones stores

BHOPAL: For the first time, the Madhya Pradesh government is all set to sell pendants of naturally-made Shivlingas that are found in the river Narmada this Mahashivratri . The Narmada stretch in Khargone district is famous for its stones that are shaped in the form of Shivlingas.

The state government is procuring these Shivlingas from the local residents ahead of Mahashivratri, which falls on February 21 (Friday).

Selling Shivlingas on the occasion of Mahashivratri would be another step of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government towards its soft-Hindutva approach. The government has already announced to develop the Ram Van Gaman Path, opened cow sheds and initiated steps to protect temple properties.

The Shivlinga pendants would be sold from the Speaking Stones store of the MP Handicraft and Handloom Development Corporation Limited (MPHHDC) in Bhopal.

State handicrafts and handlooms commissioner Rajeev Sharma confirmed that the corporation is offering Shivlingas this Mahashivratri. He said Gogawan in Khargone district is famous for its naturally-made Shivlingas that are sourced from the Narmada riverbed. We are collecting the Shivlingas from there and making pendants with the help of artists.

“Two types of Shivlinga pendants are on offer with a price tag of Rs100 and Rs200. A number of pendants have already been sold. The corporation is acting as a bridge between the ones who collect the Shivlingas from the river and people who look for these naturally- made stones in holy rivers such as the Narmada”, Sharma added.

Speaking Stones studios also offer exquisite sculpture models of the Sanchi Stupa and Badal Mahal Gate of Chanderi. Art collectors also get customised stone products in these stores — from richly carved stone pillars for homes to stone utensils.

Apart from Shivlinga pendants, the government would also sell the Shivlingas found in Narmada riverbed, officials added.

