400-year-old Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple without caretaker

Strap: State govt took over in 2018, but yet to appoint officials

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Ravinder Sood

Palampur, September 12

The 400-year-old Kalinath Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, situated on the banks of the Beas near Garli Paragpur in Kangra district, is crying for attention.

The state government had taken over the temple, spread over 120 kanals, on the directions of the High Court. A three-judge Bench had passed the order to this effect on October 4, 2018. However, in the past three years, the government has failed to implement the High Court order. Dehra Gopipur SDM Dhanvir Singh, who is also assistant commissioner of the temple, says that he had written to the Kangra Deputy Commissioner on August 30, seeking sanction for the appointment of caretakers but the approval was still awaited.

Local residents Hemant Rana, Kwela Krishan and Jagvir Singh say that many people have encroached upon the temple land while some of them have even got it transferred in their names in gross violation of the rules, as religious properties can neither be sold, nor transferred in the names of individuals.

At present, some saints have the possession of the temple, as the government has failed to appoint temple officers. Though a large number of devotees, including foreign tourists, visit the temple, there is none to take care of its cleanliness. Garbage can be seen littered in every nook and corner and there is no toilet facility on the complex. Stray dogs and animals can be seen roaming even in the ‘Havan kund’. Nobody knows how much offering the temple gets in a year and how it is utilised.

BOX—- History of the temple

The Kalinath Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular ancient monument, having fine stonework and linked to the theology. It is believed that Kalesar and Shiva worshipped Maha Rudra of Mata Chintpurni at this place. A large number of devotees throng the place during Maha Shivratri festival as well as in the Sharavan Navratra. The temple is situated near the Beas. It not only gives the temple a greater picturesque view but even makes it a perfect place to meditate.