Ancient Baijnath temple shows cracks, leaks due to heavy rains

The historic Baijnath Shiva Temple, built in 1204 AD, has suffered damage due to heavy rains in the Palampur region over the past two weeks.

Cracks have appeared in the retaining walls of the temple, built on the side of the Binwa river. The temple's roof and walls are also leaking, and there is dampness in the floor, making it difficult for priests to sit inside.

According to local residents, the leakage was first pointed out by the temple management in 2016, and efforts were made several times to plug the leakage, but the problem persisted.

SDM Baijnath Sankalap Gautam told The Tribune that there was no immediate threat to the temple. He assured that necessary repairs would be carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has overall control over the repairs and maintenance of the temple.

The temple, situated on the left bank of the Binwa river, is a popular tourist destination, attracting lakhs of local and foreign visitors every year. Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath, and the temple is believed to have been built by two local merchant brothers, Ahuka and Manyuka. According to the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

The ASI has already initiated steps for the repair of the leaking wall and roof and has spent lakhs of rupees on the maintenance and development of the temple surroundings over the past 30 years. A trust, headed by SDM Baijnath, manages the temple's affairs.