Kunds of Tungnath temple is moving from their place, ASI denied the news of the tilting of the temple
Summary
Superintending Archaeologist Manoj Kumar Saxena, in charge of the Dehradun Circle, has refuted recent claims suggesting a 10-degree tilt in the temple. Saxena dismissed the reports, stating that no structural engineer has conducted a thorough examination of the temple’s tilt. Contrary to the speculation, he emphasized the absence of any conclusive findings regarding the alleged inclination of the structure.
Expansion
The Kunds of Tungnath Temple, with a history spanning around 1000 years, have been observed shifting from their original positions. Acknowledging this phenomenon, the Archaeological Survey of India has conducted a preliminary survey and issued a notification to protect and preserve the Kunds. The notification allows a two-month window for objections to be raised. However, Manoj Kumar Saxena, the Superintending Archaeologist of Dehradun Circle, has dismissed reports of a 10-degree tilt in the temple. He clarified that no structural engineer has examined the extent of the temple’s tilt, thereby refuting claims regarding its precise degree of inclination.
In 2017, the state government forwarded a proposal to the Central Government regarding the conservation of Tungnath Temple. Following this, the Ministry of Culture instructed Dr. Patel, the Superintending Archaeologist at that time, to inspect the temple in 2018. Dr. Patel highlighted the need for improving the temple’s condition during his inspection. Recently, the Central Government requested the preparation of a proposal outlining the repair work required. Based on this proposal, the Ministry of Culture issued a notification on March 29, emphasizing the preservation of Tungnath Temple. The Archaeological Survey of India received this notification in April.
During the same month, the department issued a notice inviting objections regarding the preservation of Tungnath Temple. Stakeholders were given a two-month period to submit their objections and suggestions. Once these responses are analyzed, the final notification will be issued. Manoj Kumar Saxena, the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI’s Dehradun Circle, mentioned that his team had conducted the initial study of the temple, confirming that the tank and certain other sections of the temple were shifting from their original positions. On the contrary, Ajendra Ajay, the president of the Badri Kedar Temple Committee, asserted their capability to preserve the temple. As a result, the temple committee intends to strongly oppose the conservation notification.
Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar
Tungnath Temple, situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is a significant religious site located at an elevation of 3460 meters above sea level. It is counted among the Panch Kedars, with the distinction of being the third Kedar. According to mythological beliefs, the Pandavas constructed this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Renowned as the highest Shiva temple globally, Tungnath was established by the Katyuri rulers during the 8th century.
