Ravinder Sood
FOR centuries, a historic Shiva temple, believed to have been built in 1278, has stood as a symbol of faith, devotion and architectural heritage. Every day, thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country visit this ancient shrine to offer prayers, seeking spiritual solace. Yet, behind its religious significance lies a growing concern that is increasingly troubling devotees — the poor state of basic facilities and the apparent neglect of pilgrim welfare.
Visitors say the temple management has failed to keep pace with the growing influx of devotees. Essential amenities such as clean drinking water, seats, sanitation and crowd management remain inadequate, making the pilgrimage uncomfortable, particularly during weekends, festivals and auspicious occasions when footfall rises sharply.
Among the biggest complaints is the condition of the public toilets within the temple complex. Pilgrims allege that the washrooms are rarely cleaned, often remain unhygienic and emit a foul smell, causing inconvenience to women, children and elderly visitors. Many feel such conditions are unacceptable at a shrine that commands immense religious reverence.
Adding to the disappointment is the perception that the temple receives substantial offerings and donations throughout the year, yet little appears to have been invested in improving facilities for devotees. This has prompted many visitors to question the utilisation of temple funds and seek greater transparency in their management.
Residents and devotees believe that preserving a centuries-old place of worship involves more than conserving its ancient structure. They argue that maintaining cleanliness, ensuring hygiene and providing basic civic amenities are equally important to safeguard the temple’s dignity and reputation.
Religious organisations and local residents have urged the temple authorities to take immediate corrective measures by strengthening sanitation, maintaining washrooms, improving crowd management and creating better facilities for pilgrims. They believe that with proper planning and accountable use of resources, the historic shrine can become a model pilgrimage destination — one that honours both its rich heritage and the comfort of the countless devotees who visit it every year.
