Priest sacked over denim-clad Krishna

Lucknow: The head priest of Banke Bihari Mandir, one of India's oldest temples, has been sacked for dressing up the statue of Krishna in denims and a T-shirt.

Anand Kishore Goswami, the priest in Vrindavan, Mathura, gave a modern look to Krishna and even replaced his 'bansuri' (flute) with a cellphone.

Goswami's term was cut short yesterday following the order of a local court. The temple is traditionally run by members of the Goswami family, who take turns to head it.

The TV channels flashed the image and there was furore in Vrindavan. But Goswami saw nothing wrong in his act. "Who can deny that Lord Krishna has different forms; I don't think there was anything wrong in dressing him up in a denim outfit."