Chamoli: Uttarakhand government has given in-principal consent with restrictions for the renovation, beautification and necessary restoration works at ancient Shiva temple Tungnath, also known as the third Kedar, located at the highest altitude in the world.
Tungnath temple located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is one among the Panch Kedars. This temple is not only important from a religious point of view, but its architecture is also very impressive and attractive.
Water leakage problem was detected
A few days ago, a water leakage problem was seen inside the temple which made the locals and pilgrims worried about the temple’s structure. Not only this temple has mythological and historical importance but it is also the highest temple in India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Government sought permission from ASI
Tungnath temple is included in the list of protected temples of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Due to this, it is mandatory to take permission from ASI first for any construction or repair work of the temple. Regarding this, Uttarakhand Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj said that the government has sought permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out repair work in the Tungnath temple.
BKTC chief wrote a letter to ASI
In this regard, Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) President Ajendra Ajay had also written a letter to the Director General, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Director General, Geological Survey of India (GSI) last year and requested to provide technical advice for the renovation, beautification and necessary protective works at Tungnath Temple which is located at an altitude of 11942 feet above sea level.
Experts studied the temple and submitted the report
Following a study by experts from both departments, a report on the Tungnath temple was submitted to the BKTC. Based on this report, the BKTC sought further input from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee. CBRI scientists recently visited Tungnath, and their report is expected soon. The government has granted permission for this initiative.
Govt gave in-principle nod
Meanwhile, BKTC President Ajendra, referencing reports from the ASI and GSI, requested the government’s in-principal consent for the conservation work on the Tungnath temple. Secretary of Religious Affairs and Culture, Harichandra Semwal, has written to the BKTC, granting this permission. Considering the temple’s mythology, the government has directed that a detailed project report (DPR) be prepared and that all work be carried out by CBRI, Roorkee. The government also stipulated that the entire project be coordinated with technical experts from the ASI and GSI.
Mythological importance of Tungnath temple
Tungnath temple, one of the Panch Kedars, is located at an altitude of approximately 3,680 meters above sea level in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. This temple holds significant religious, architectural, and historical importance. According to legend, the Pandavas built Tungnath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
More than one lakh pilgrims visited Tungnath shrine
This year, the number of pilgrims visiting Tungnath shrine, the third Kedar, has surpassed one lakh. Situated at the highest point in the Himalayas, at the foothills of Chandrashila, Tungnath shrine is seeing a resurgence in pilgrim numbers despite a decline following the natural calamity during the Kedarnath Yatra on July 31.
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