Tungnath Temple: World’s tallest Shiva temple tilted up to 6 degrees, ASI’s
Rudraprayag (Chopta) (IANS) | There has been a tilt in Tungnath Dham, the world’s highest Shiva temple. The temple of Lord Tungnath, known as the third Kedar, situated at an altitude of about 12,800 feet, is leaning. This has been revealed in the report of the Archaeological Survey of India. In the study of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it has been revealed that the Tungnath temple has inclined about 5 to 6 degrees. Apart from this, idols and small structures have also been said to have a tilt of up to 10 degrees. On the other hand, Badri Kedar Temple Committee and Haq Haqukdhari of the temple have also objected to giving Tungnath temple under the protection of ASI.
The Superintendent Archaeologist of Dehradun Circle is also expressing great concern that the tilt of the temple may cause problems for the future. In such a situation, an attempt will be made to know the reason for the tilt and damage in the Tungnath temple. If possible, the work of its treatment will also be started soon. Along with this, complete data will be prepared after inspection of the temple premises.
At the same time, ASI officials are also ascertaining the reasons for the sliding and sinking of the lower part of the temple, due to which the temple is tilting. According to him, the damaged foundation stones will be replaced after consulting the experts. For now, the agency has fixed a glass scale that can measure movement on the temple wall.
In the past also many times, a letter was given by the government to the Archaeological Department to take this temple under its control, on which it is being considered to declare the temple as a national heritage. Objection was also sought for this. Two months time has been given for filing objections. This temple also comes under Badri Kedar Mandir Committee like Kedarnath Dham. However, here the local rights holders also fully cooperate with the temple committee.
Local Haq Haqukdhari only worship in Tungnath temple. Priests are not appointed here by the Badri Kedar Temple Committee. Till date, the management of this temple has been done by the Badri Kedar Temple Committee and the local rights holders. In such a situation, the Badri Kedar Temple Committee and the rights holders have decided to oppose the declaration of the temple as a national heritage.
Ajendra Ajay, chairman of the Badri Kedar Temple Committee, said that a notification has been issued by the Archaeological Survey of India to take the Tungnath temple under its protection. Along with this, objections have also been sought in the matter. In the board meeting, this proposal has been discussed with the officials and the rights holders. If everyone is objecting to handing over the temple to the Archaeological Survey of India, then the temple committee will also register an objection.
Explain that in Tungnath, Lord Shiva is worshiped as the third Kedar out of the Panch Kedars. Here the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped. Tungnath Dham is a religious place as well as a very beautiful tourist place. There is an influx of devotees and tourists throughout the year. Tungnath Dham, a tourist destination known as Mini Switzerland, is situated just above Chopta.
