Visuals of a priest performing abhishekam to idol of goddess Bhadrakali is being widely shared on social media claiming that whenever the abhishekam is done with turmeric water, the goddess closes her eyes. Let’s verify the claim made.
Claim: Visuals of Bhadrakali idol in Telangana closing its eyes during abhishekam with turmeric water.
Fact: Video shows idol of Goddess Bhadrakali at Bhadrakali Temple of Warangal, Telangana. The eyes of the idol remain normal when abhishekam is performed with low-viscous liquids like water, milk, and ghee. When thick turmeric water or kumkum water is used, the eyes appear to be closed due to the formation of a layer on the eyes. Hence, the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
Reverse image search of the viral visuals revealed that the idol is situated in Bhadrakali Temple of Warangal, Telangana. We then watched the visuals of abhishekam performed on this idol using different substances on various occasions. At first, when water is used, there is no change in the eyes of idol.
Similarly, when abhishekam is performed with milk and ghee, one can see the watchful eyes of the idol.
However, when thick turmeric water or Kumkum water is used, one cannot see the eyes of the idol. The reason for this phenomenon is that these thick liquids form a layer on the idol’s eyes. So, it seems like the Goddess has closed her eyes. But, after pouring water, this layer is removed, and the eyes look normal again.
Similar cases of optical illusions from other temples can be seen here and here.
To sum it up, when abhishekam is performed with thick liquids, the eyes of the idol are not visible due to the formation of a layer on them.
