Tungnath Temple, Lord Shiva's highest temple built by Pandavas, faces water leakage

Tungnath Temple, the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is facing severe structural issues that threaten its safety and stability. Located at an altitude of 3,680 metres in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, the temple has experienced increased water leakage, subsidence, and a weakening foundation, particularly during the recent monsoon season. This situation has raised alarms for both devotees and tourists who visit the ancient site, believed to have been built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war.

Structural Challenges

The ongoing heavy rainfall has significantly accelerated damage to the temple. Ajendra Ajay, the head of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, has highlighted the critical condition of the temple. He stated, "The temple is facing serious issues like subsidence, weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates, which have caused water leakage, especially during the rainy season."

To address these challenges, the committee has reached out to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to explore potential restoration methods. Both organisations dispatched expert teams to the site in September to assess the damage and recommend steps to mitigate further deterioration.

Expert Recommendations

Manoj Saxena, superintendent archaeologist at ASI, noted, "While the temple is not officially protected by ASI, our team visited the site and gave our recommendations. Now it is up to the temple committee and the Uttarakhand government to take the necessary actions."

The temple committee has also sought help from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to ensure the temple's structural integrity.

Government Action

Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj addressed the issue, stating, "Given the temple's water leakage and structural problems, the govt is prioritising its repair to ensure the structure remains safe for all visitors."

As the temple committee works with experts and government officials, the urgency of restoration efforts has become clear to protect this revered site for future generations.