Tungnath Temple, the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by the Pandavas, faces water leakage issues.

Tungnath Temple, the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is currently facing significant structural issues that threaten its safety. Located at an elevation of 3,680 metres in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, the temple has experienced an increase in water leakage, subsidence, and a weakening foundation, particularly worsened by the recent monsoon season. These concerns have raised alarms among both devotees and tourists who visit the temple, believed to have been built by the Pandavas following the Kurukshetra war.

Structural Challenges

The ongoing heavy rains have exacerbated the temple's structural damage. Ajendra Ajay, the head of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, "The temple is facing critical issues such as subsidence, a weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates, leading to water leakage, especially during the rainy season."

In response, the temple committee has sought assistance from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to find potential restoration solutions. Both organizations dispatched expert teams to the site in September to assess the damage and provide recommendations for preventing further deterioration.

Expert Recommendations

Manoj Saxena, superintendent archaeologist at the ASI, commented, "While the temple is not officially under ASI protection, our team has visited the site and provided our recommendations. It is now up to the temple committee and the Uttarakhand government to take the necessary steps."

Additionally, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has been approached to ensure the structural integrity of the temple.

Government Action

Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj addressed the concerns, stating, "The government is prioritizing the temple's repair, especially with the water leakage and structural problems, to ensure the safety of all visitors."

As restoration efforts move forward, there is a sense of urgency to preserve this ancient and sacred site for future generations.