Baijnath Shiva temple damaged

Ravinder Sood

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Palampur, August 9

Heavy rain in Palampur region in the past two days has also caused damage to ancient Shiva Temple Baijnath. This historic temple was built in 1204 AD.

Cracks have appeared in the retaining walls of the temple built on the side of Binwa river. Two years ago similar development was noticed but no repairs were carried out by the state government.

Roof and wall of the temple are also leaking. There is also leakage at the entrance of the temple. The adjoining Radha Krishan temple situated in the same campus has also hit by heavy rain.

The sudden leakage on the temple roof and walls has put a question mark on the existence of this historical monument, which encompasses the essential features of Nagara temples.

The historical Shiva temple is situated on the left bank of Binwa river at Baijnath, 10 km from here. Lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists visit the temple every year.

It is stated that this temple was built by two local merchant brothers Ahuka and Manyuka. The temple consists of an ‘adyum’ 8 feet square inside and 18 feet outside surrounded by a spire of the usual conical shape and mandapa (front hall) 20 feet square inside covered with low pyramid shaped roof. The ‘Adyum’ contains Shivling and is entered through a small anteroom.

The roof of the mandapa is supported by four massive pillars. The porch rests on four columns.

Archeological Survey of India (ASI), which looks after the maintenance of the temple, has already initiated steps for the repair of leaking wall and roof. The ASI had spent lakhs of rupees on the maintenance and development of the surroundings of the temple during the past 10 years. The state government has constituted a trust to manage the affairs of the temple. The SDM Baijnath is the president of the trust.