Safety Warning Issued for the World's Highest Shiva Temple

The Tungnath Temple, recognized as the world's highest Shiva temple, has recently been declared unsafe for visitors due to significant structural damage exacerbated by the monsoon season . Situated in Uttarakhand, India, this revered site faces critical issues such as water leakage and a weakened foundation. As these conditions have intensified during the annual monsoon months from June to September, concerns regarding the temple's stability have escalated significantly .

The temple, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters, is a popular destination for tourists and Hindus, as it is the highest temple dedicated to Shiva in the world. Like many other temples of its type, the Tungnath Temple is built primarily from slate bricks and slabs. Shiva is a prominent deity in the Hindu faith, and the temple's name translates to "lord of the peaks".

However, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee warned travelers that the area was becoming unsafe, with committee head Ajendra Ajay saying in a statement shared with The Economic Times: "The temple is facing serious issues like subsidence, weakening foundation, and shifting wall slates, which have caused water leakage, especially during the rainy season."

To address these challenges, the committee has reached out to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to explore potential restoration methods. Both organisations dispatched expert teams to the site in September to assess the damage and recommend steps to mitigate further deterioration.

Shiva is central to a sect of Hinduism called Shaivism, which is considered one of the religion’s largest denominations. Shiva is depicted as having control over life and death, as one of the three most important gods in Hinduism, along with Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is worshiped in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

In response to these alarming developments, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has proactively sought assistance from various institutions including the Geological Survey of India and Central Building Research Institute. These organizations are tasked with assessing the structural integrity of the temple and providing restoration recommendations. Although the Archaeological Survey of India has not officially designated the site for protection, their involvement indicates a recognition of its cultural significance . The Indian government has pledged to prioritize repairs to ensure both visitor safety and preservation of this historical monument.

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Sarah H

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