Tungnath Temple, the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is facing serious structural problems that threaten its safety and stability. Located at an altitude of 3,680 meters in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple experienced increased water leakage, subsidence and weaker foundation, especially during the recent monsoon season. This situation has raised alarm among devotees as well as tourists visiting the ancient site, which is believed to have been built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War.

Structural challenges

The persistent heavy rains have significantly accelerated the damage to the temple. Ajendra Ajay, head of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, has highlighted the critical condition of the temple. He said, “The temple is facing serious problems such as subsidence, weakening foundation and shifting wall slates, which have led to water leakage, especially during the rainy season.”

To address these challenges, the committee reached out to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to explore possible restoration methods. Both organizations deployed teams of experts to the site in September to assess the damage and recommend measures to curb further deterioration.

Expert recommendations

Manoj Saxena, senior archaeologist at ASI, noted, “Although the temple is not officially protected by ASI, our team visited the site and made our recommendations. Now it is up to the temple committee and the Uttarakhand government to take necessary action.”

The temple committee has also sought help from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) to ensure the structural integrity of the temple.

Government measures

Addressing the issue, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said, “Given the water leakage and structural problems of the temple, the government is prioritizing its repair to ensure that the structure remains safe for all visitors.” As the temple committee is working with experts and government officials , the urgency of the number of restoration efforts has become clear to protect this revered place for future generations.