The Tungnath Temple, one of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines, will close its doors to devotees for the winter season on November 4, 2024. The announcement was made during the recent visit of Ajendra Ajay, Chairman of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), who inspected the pilgrimage arrangements and ongoing restoration work.
As the date of the temple’s closure approaches, Ajendra Ajay held discussions with stakeholders about the proposed restoration, beautification, and security works at the temple. The closure of the Tungnath Temple marks the end of the pilgrimage season, during which more than 1.46 lakh devotees visited the holy site this year. This surge in visitors has highlighted the need for the development of basic infrastructure and facilities at the temple.
A pressing concern at the temple complex is the subsidence of land, which has caused some stones from the walls to shift, and rainwater to seep into the temple. To address these issues, the BKTC had earlier consulted the Archaeological Survey of India and the Geological Survey of India. An in-depth study was conducted, and the committee is now awaiting a report from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, which will guide the restoration efforts.
With the Uttarakhand government granting in-principle approval, the restoration and security works will commence soon under the supervision of CBRI. The committee is committed to preserving the ancient heritage of the temple while ensuring the safety of the structure.
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