After heavy rain, Luv Kush Paathshala collapses partially

A portion of the Luv Kush Paathshala, located at the Ram Tirath Temple, which is also known as Bhagwan Valmiki Asthan, collapsed following incessant rains that lashed the region in the past two days. Situated around 12 km from Amritsar on the Amritsar-Chogawan road, Ram Tirath Temple is believed to be the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, the author of Ramayana.

According to various historical accounts, Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, took refuge at this site during her exile from Ayodhya. It is believed that she gave birth to her twin sons, Luv and Kush, here. Sage Valmiki not only educated the twins at this very place, but is also said to have

composed the epic Ramayana here.

In an effort to preserve the sanctity of this revered shrine, the then SAD-BJP government constructed a magnificent temple at a cost of Rs 115 crore. However, the Luv Kush Paathshala remained neglected due to an ongoing legal dispute between two groups over ownership and possession of the temple.

Temple priest Mahant Manjit Giri said the ancient Paathshala, which was constructed from Nanakshahi bricks and mud, was in urgent need of repair. He added that the government should declare the structure a heritage site and take immediate steps to preserve it in its original form.