200-yr-old temple gutted in Chamba

A nearly 200-year-old Girad Mata Temple at Girad village in Khundel gram panchayat of the Bharmour Assembly constituency in Chamba district was gutted by fire on Friday afternoon.

According to information, the fire broke out around 3.30 pm and flames rapidly engulfed the entire temple. Before any effective firefighting measures could be taken, the historic structure was reduced to ashes. The temple, constructed primarily from deodar wood, suffered extensive damage, resulting in losses estimated to be in lakhs of rupees.

The blaze also caused significant damage to the idols housed in the temple, including those made of marble, black stone and brass, dealing a severe blow to the religious and cultural heritage of the area. The Girad Mata Temple holds deep spiritual significance for local residents and has long been a symbol of faith and devotion.

Bharmour MLA Dr Janak Raj expressed concern over the incident and said that he had received information about the fire at the revered temple. He urged the district administration to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses suffered and take appropriate steps. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained said officials but an investigation was underway.