Editor Carla Geerdes
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Then four men placed it carefully on the chariot.
New cushions and blankets were put for safe transport.
The Pratima of Lord Mahavira was veiled for a short time as well.
Now the Pratima of Lord Mahavira was ready to be moved inside the temple.
Outside, many people were waiting for this moment.
Among them was John Guy, Senior Curator, South and Southeast Asia, Asian Department of Victoria and Albert Museum London, who had compiled the wonderful exposition and catalogue for ‘ The Peaceful Liberators ' in 2001.
A colourful procession to the temple was about to start.
Some were enjoying actively by dancing, chanting Mantras, playing Tavla or Tambourines…
…while others enjoyed watching, as did Dr. Paul Marett, who had come from Wiltshire.
Now a very delicate procedure had to be completed; the Pratimas had to be brought upstairs to their shrines inside the temple. The ritual red umbrella protects Lord Mahavira, for it started raining and did not stop for the rest of the day. This was taken as auspicious omen.