SHIMLA: High Court of Himachal Pradesh today directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to constitute a team of scientific experts and expedite repair work of ancient Mrikula Devi Temple, one of most sacred shrines at Udaipur in tribal belt of Lahaul-Spiti, in a month time.
High Court today took suo moto notice of the delipidated condition of the Mrikula Devi temple, The temple was built in 11th century. It has rare wooden carvings of Hindu antiquity and immense historical importance. But the temple remains in dilapidated condition.
High Court also directed ASI, which protects this temple since in 1989 to ensure that funds are provided for repair, maintenance and preservation of the temple. The repair should start within a month thereafter, so as to complete the same expeditiously, Court ruled.
A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sandeep Sharma, passed these orders on a writ petition taken up suo motu as Public Interest Litigation.
The PIL was taken on a report submitted by the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kulllu, regarding the dilapidated condition of Mata Mrikula Devi Temple, Udaipur, District Lahaul & Spiti.
It has been reported by the Secretary, DLSA Kullu that the roof between both the portions of the temple is bending and can collapse at any time. One of the old wooden pillars is bursting.
The outer side of the roof is also falling, the colour of the temple was removed by the archaeology department in order to repaint the same but thereafter, the temple has not been painted at all.
DLSA has further stated that the protection of the said temple was taken over by Archaeology Department in the year 1989. The priest of the temple also submitted an application to the Court in this behalf, which was sent to the Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul & Spiti for appropriate action in the matter, but repairs are yet to be carried out in the said temple.
During the course of hearing Ms. Vandana Misra, the Amicus Curiae produced several photographs of Mata Mrikula Devi temple. The pictures show that the temple is in a dilapidated condition.
The roof of the temple is temporarily supported by use of wooden planks, the walls on all sides have cracks. The temple is declared as a protected monument by respondent Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
According to the conversation, which Amicus Curiae had with Pujari of the temple, this temple, if not immediately repaired, may collapse at any time.
Going through the status report, filed on behalf of the ASI, the Court found the explanation given by the ASI wholly unsatisfactory. Court observed that the pace at which the respondents are proceeding would surely endanger the very existence of the structure.
The case has been fixed for 13.05.2022 to see further progress in the matter.
