Almora: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has banned entry into the famous Jageshwar temple, situated in Almora district, before sunrise and after sunset. For this, the ASI has made this information public by pasting a notice at the main gate of Jageshwar temple.
Actually, this decision came in the wake of some incidents when people from outside the state created a ruckus at night on 6 September to enter the premises of the revered temple. Besides, a woman also created a drama pretending to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva a few days ago.
People entered the temple forcibly after it was closed
Following a recent disturbance at Jageshwar Dham, the ASI has taken a firm stance. On September 6, individuals from Pilibhit caused a commotion, demanding the temple gate be opened at night after it had been closed. Despite the main gate being shut, they entered the temple by jumping over it with their pet dogs. When the ASI security guard refused them entry, they misbehaved and scuffled with him.
A woman has also created the scene at the temple
A woman, who accompanied this group, also caused a commotion at Uttarakhand’s Jageshwar temple. She climbed the temple gate and created a scene, claiming to be various deities like Shiva, Mahakal, and Kalbhairav. When the ASI security guard refused them entry, she misbehaved and scuffled with them.
ASI pasted a notice at temple main gate
In view of such incidents, ASI has now made preparations to strictly enforce the rules. To inform the visitors about this directive, ASI has also pasted a notice at the main entrance of the temple. It has been clarified in the notice that pilgrims will not be able to enter the temple premises after sunset and before sunrise. In this concern, Manoj Saxena, superintending archaeologist, Dehradun said, “ASI took over the Jageshwar temple for protection in 1951. After disturbances created by some visitors, our staff have pasted a notice at the main gate and nearby areas of the temple to save the sanctity and ancient properties of the temple.”
Reasons behind such incidents
According to Jyotsana Pant, manager, Jageshwar temple management committee, “Due to lack of the information, people reach here late in the evening. In case of finding the gate closed, they try to enter the temple forcibly which leads to scuffle between staff and the visitors sometimes.”
What is written in the ASI notice
In the notice pasted by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is mentioned, “According to the Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules 1959 Chapter 2 Rule 5 (1), this national protected monument, Jageshwar Temple Group, Jageshwar will remain open for pilgrims and visitors from sunrise to sunset every day. In case of violation of this rule, necessary action will be taken as per the rules.”
