Parents worship lifesize statue of deceased son for 26 years

Pic: U Eeranna from Devasugur village of Raichur taluk worships a lifesize statue of his deceased son Vijay Kumar for over two decades, believing he continues to live with them in spiritRaichur: In a rare and deeply emotional expression of parental love and remembrance, a couple in Devasugur village of Raichur taluk has been worshipping a lifesize statue of their deceased son for over two decades, believing he continues to live with them in spirit.U. Eeranna, a sculptor by profession, and his wife Eeramma lost their son Vijay Kumar in 1999 when he was just 19 years old. Unable to come to terms with the loss, the grieving father created a 6-foot-tall cement statue that closely resembles his son in appearance, height and build.Vijay Kumar, who studied up to SSLC, shared his father's passion for art and sculpture. He created nearly 360 paintings and even participated in exhibitions at a young age. However, his life was cut short after he developed jaundice. Despite treatment in Raichur, he passed away on Sept 7, 1999.Determined to preserve his son's memory, Eeranna decided to prepare the statue as a way of keeping him close. Though some of his relatives and friends raised discontent, he remained resolute. With the help of his other sons, Ashok and Suresh, Eeranna completed the lifesize statue of his deceased son.The statue is 5 feet 4 inches in height and was prepared using iron rods and cement. It was ready before the first death anniversary. Eeranna has kept the statue inside the house, in a corner. For the past 26 years, the couple has been performing daily rituals, treating the statue as their living son.Every morning, they begin their day by applying sacred ash and vermilion to the statue and offering prayers. Special rituals are performed on new moon and full moon days, as well as on Vijay Kumar's birth anniversary.Eeramma, the grieving mother, believes her son is always at home and should never be left alone. Even when she steps out of the house, she ensures she returns home by evening. She says her son often appears in her dreams, sitting near her and weeping, and she consoles him before he leaves."We had this statue made so that our son's memory remains eternal. Not just me, but all members of the family offer prayers to it," Eeranna said.For the past 26 years, the couple has believed that their son is alive in this statue and has been spending their time in his memory. Seeing their son in this cement statue, the parents have carried on with their lives all these years. The belief that their son is with them in some form or the other is what gives them happiness.