Tungnath Temple, perched at an elevation of 3,680 meters in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is renowned as the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, this ancient site is now grappling with significant structural issues, including severe water leakage, subsidence, and a deteriorating foundation. These problems have been exacerbated by the recent monsoon season, raising alarms about the temple's stability and the safety of visiting devotees and tourists.
Local lore attributes the construction of the temple to the Pandavas, legendary figures from the Mahabharata, who are said to have built it after the epic war of Kurukshetra. This historical significance makes the current state of the temple all the more concerning for both locals and devotees.
In light of these challenges, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, under the leadership of Ajendra Ajay, has taken proactive measures. The committee has reached out to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assess the temple's condition and explore potential restoration methods. Expert teams from both organizations visited the site in September to conduct a thorough inspection. Following their evaluation, they provided the temple committee with recommendations on how to mitigate further damage and ensure the temple's longevity.
Ajendra Ajay highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “The temple is facing serious issues like subsidence, a weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates, which have caused water leakage, especially during the rainy season.” In a bid to enhance the safety measures, the committee has also enlisted the expertise of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI).
Manoj Saxena, the superintendent archaeologist at ASI, emphasized that while the temple is not officially protected by the ASI, the organization has taken an active interest in the situation. “Our team visited the site and provided recommendations. Now it is up to the temple committee and the Uttarakhand government to take the necessary actions to protect this vital cultural heritage,” he stated in an interview with The Times of India.
The tourism minister of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj, also addressed the pressing issue, affirming that the government is prioritizing repairs. “Given the temple's water leakage and structural problems, we are committed to ensuring the structure remains safe for all visitors,” he remarked.
As the situation unfolds, the urgency to preserve Tungnath Temple cannot be overstated. This sacred site, not only a destination for pilgrims but also a part of India’s rich cultural tapestry, must be safeguarded for future generations. Ongoing efforts from the temple committee, along with governmental and expert assistance, are crucial in addressing the structural challenges that threaten its integrity.
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