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| Mahabilvakeshwar Temple- A victim of official apathy | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 20 : The most revered Shiva shrine dating back to antiquity needs immediate attention of the authorities. The Mahabilvakeshwar temple, which is situated at 22 miles west of Basohli and 32 miles east of Kathua, is a splendid edifice, but is lying in shambles. The gateway and the outer wall have fallen.
Many chiseled and ornamented stones that were once used in the outer structures are lying scattered here and there, testifying that the temple must once have been a stately structure. It is pertinent to mention that three day fairs are held here on Shivratri and Baisakhi. Both the fairs are attended by thousands of devotees from different parts of the State but even the basic facilities are not provided to the devotees. There is neither a provision of safe drinking water in the premises of the temple nor any toilet block for the convenience of the pilgrims' visiting the place. As a result they have to carry their own potable water, which becomes troublesome. Lack of basic amenities, indigent infrastructure blended with official neglect has added to the miseries of the devotees.
The monument has been declared to be of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The heritage site of national importance calls for immediate attention as unabated encroachment around it has lowered its grandeur and is posing a threat to its survival.
Formerly called Hari-Hara temple, the temple is now popularly known as the Mahabilvakeshwara temple, because of the profusion of bilva trees all around. Bilva leaves are offered to Lord Shiva in profusion, as the God is said to be highly pleased with this kind of floral offering.
There are a large number of Baulies around the temple area. Many of them are dilapidated, but there are some which are still in good condition. One of the Baulies, still extant, is a large structure, beautifully constructed with well-dressed stones. It is an enclosed edifice with a gushing spring of cool, refreshing water in the middle. The Bauli supplies water for ablutions and for offering to the temple deity. In fact on festival days, pots full of water are kept outside the temple for the devotees to be poured on the Lingam inside.
"This magnificent temple needs promotion and renovation and if reconstructed and developed properly, this pilgrimage site will definitely emerge out an equally popular religious destination as that of Mata Vaishno Devi and Mahamaya temple. The authorities should take immediate measures to promote this site on tourism map," said Sham Lal, a citizen of the locality. |
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