MDEHRADUN: District magistrate of Uttarkashi Ashish Shrivastava has written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) urging it to take timely action to restore eighth to ninth century Sun temples.
Talking to TOI, Shrivastava said, “The group of Sun temples are ASI protected. But due to lack of proper maintenance and safety, this historical heritage is on the verge of dilapidation. It is very important to ensure restoration as well as safety of these temples. I have written to ASI to take timely action in this regard.”
The DM added that the early medieval temples in Bhatwadi could be a huge draw for tourists when properly maintained.
Local residents said that beautiful carvings, such as images of river Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance of one of the temples, have fallen prey to vagaries of time and weather.
Social worker Lokender Bisht said, “The main Sun temple has almost crumbled except at the top. Idols of Vishnu, Ganesha, Kuber and Surya have suffered damage.”
Talking to TOI, Shrivastava said, “The group of Sun temples are ASI protected. But due to lack of proper maintenance and safety, this historical heritage is on the verge of dilapidation. It is very important to ensure restoration as well as safety of these temples. I have written to ASI to take timely action in this regard.”
The DM added that the early medieval temples in Bhatwadi could be a huge draw for tourists when properly maintained.
Local residents said that beautiful carvings, such as images of river Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance of one of the temples, have fallen prey to vagaries of time and weather.
Social worker Lokender Bisht said, “The main Sun temple has almost crumbled except at the top. Idols of Vishnu, Ganesha, Kuber and Surya have suffered damage.”
Bisht also said that in the absence of security squatters are having a free run in the temples.
V K Saxena, director, Dehradun circle of Archaeological Survey of India, said that the Sun temples held much importance and he would take appropriate action once he receives the letter.
Meanwhile, historians have said that immediate steps should be taken for conservation of temples.
Historian D R Purohit, a professor at Garhwal University, said that there are very few Sun temples in the country. “Uttarakhand is blessed to have Sun temples, the state government must promote these so more and more people can visit them. This could help generate funds for their restoration.”
Lokesh Ohri, anthropologist and heritage expert, said, “If devotees are permitted to worship at the temples regularly then safety and security of these structures can be ensured.
TOI
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