Out of curiosity and religious conviction, they wanted to catch a glimpse of the idol installed in the puja room of the house.

While devotees swore it was an “act of God” and termed it “a miracle,” rationalists dismissed it as a “simple hoax.” People from all parts of the City and Mandya, Mysore, Ramanagar and Channapatna continued coming on Friday evening paralysing life on Guttahalli Main Road.

Visitors got to see the idol for less than ten seconds each during which time they made offerings of flowers and money. Many clicked pictures of the  “miraculous image” on their mobile cameras. It was also expected that Saibaba devotees from other States would pay a visit soon.

According to the family, on Wednesday afternoon, Lakshmi, employed as an attender at Vidhana Soudha, was wiping this particular idol purchased from Shirdi a year ago by her husband A Babu, “a social worker” and businessman. She noticed the dark patch on the left eye and assuming it to be dirt tried to erase it. 

She failed despite repeated attempts and her college-going son Drupad who examined it told her that the Lord had opened up one of its eyes.

 “They were stunned by it and called a priest home the following day. He told them that a miracle had taken place and the Lord had opened one eye,” explains Suma, Lakshmi’s colleague.  

After the news spread, over 50,000  visited the place on Friday, Guru Poornima day.

Hordes of policemen and volunteers were spotted all along desperately struggling to control the milling crowds.
Meanwhile, Deccan Herald received calls from a couple of devotees who said the family was taking pictures of the “miracle” and selling it for Rs 20 a piece to those who wanted it.