Valmiki community protests, seeks completion of temple construction

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 10

Members of the Valmiki community staged a protest over the incomplete construction of historic Bhagwan Valmiki temple here today.

Led by former councilor Om Prakash Gabbar and members of Bhagwan Valmiki Ashram, Dhunna Sahib Trust, they said that the construction of ‘parkarma’ (circumambulation portion) of the temple hadn’t been completed. Gabbar said, “Incomplete civil work is an eyesore for the devotees. They undergo difficulties while going to pay obeisance.”

The ancient temple in Ramtirath area is believed to be the place where Bhagwan Valmiki gave refuge to Goddess Sita. The construction of the temple, dedicated to Bhagwan Valmiki, was initiated by the previous SAD-BJP government at a cost of Rs 185 crore. Its distinct architectural design matches to world renowned shrines of southern India.

The temple stands in a holy sarovar, which is further connected to ‘parikarma’ with a wide bridge.

In the interior, there are two helical staircases leading to cantilevered wide gallery to showcase Bhagvan Valmiki’s thoughts in inscription and pictorial forms.

He said a pocket of 11 acres was to be developed as exhibition and congregation complex with a sangat hall having a capacity of 5,000 persons, a museum and panorama to highlight the life and history of Bhagwan Valmiki, as well as major events of the Ramayana.

Besides, there was a provision of multi-storeyed parking complex to accommodate 800 cars besides an administrative block, sarai (inn) and a langar hall to be constructed at the temple complex.

They called upon the Capt Amarinder Singh government to swiftly complete the temple as per its master plan to facilitate the devotees.