Monsoon Rains Threaten World's highest Shiva Temple in India

Indian authorities have issued a safety warning to tourists planning to visit the world’s highest Shiva temple after monsoon rains have rendered the Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district structurally damaged.

The temple, which stands at a height of 3,680 meters, is a famous tourist and Hindu destination because it is the world’s highest Shiva temple. The Tungnath Temple, like many other temples of its kind, is constructed primarily of slate bricks and slabs.

The recent heavy rainfall has intensified the damage, raising alarms regarding the ancient temple’s stability and the safety of visiting devotees and tourists.

Ajendra Ajay, who leads the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, has brought attention to the alarming state of the temple. Officials report that the temple is confronting significant challenges, including subsidence, a weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates.

These issues have led to water leakage, particularly during the rainy season, he told the Economic Times.

Committee to tackle Shiva temple challenges

The committee has taken proactive steps to tackle these challenges by contacting the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to investigate possible restoration methods.

In September, both organizations sent expert teams to the location to evaluate the damage and suggest measures to prevent further deterioration.

Manoj Saxena, the superintendent archaeologist at the Archaeological Survey of India, stated, “Although the temple does not have official protection from ASI, our team conducted a site visit and provided our recommendations.”

The responsibility now lies with the temple committee and the Uttarakhand government to implement the required measures.

The temple committee has reached out to the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) for assistance in verifying the structural integrity of the temple.

India’s Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj has spoken on the matter, emphasizing, “In light of the temple’s water leakage and structural issues, the government is prioritizing repairs to guarantee the safety of the structure for all visitors.”

The temple committee is collaborating with experts and government officials, highlighting the pressing need for restoration efforts to safeguard this esteemed site for future generations.

Source: Economic Times