Bombay High Court Constitutes Committee To Examine Kopeshwar Temple Restoration Works, 'Humongous' Expenditure On Unrelated Projects

The Bombay High Court recently constituted a committee of five advocates to visit the 12th Century built historic Kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur, Kolhapur and conduct an independent fact-finding exercise to ascertain the present status of the temple's infrastructure so that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) could be asked to take proper steps for the resurrection of the said temple. A division bench of Justice Milind Jadhav and Justice Nandesh Deshpande appointed a committee comprising of Ritesh Thobade, Rugwed Kinkar, Utkarsha Desai, Siddharth Shitole and Bhargavi Patil."This heritage temple is situated in a very unique place. It has a rich culture and history by virtue of its location. Whatever bye laws and rules are required to be made have to be made from the point of view of the river which surrounds the temple on almost three sides keeping in mind the flood situation, since we are informed that Khidrapur town and the temple site is a 100% flood-prone area. In 2019, we were informed that the entire Khidrapur heritage temple, including all five structures of the temple, was under water up to a height of 12 feet. We just hope that such a situation never arises again. Since such a situation did arise in 2019, certain damage was done. That apart, the weather, wear and tear, and the inevitable monsoons which the temple has faced have also weakened the structure. All that we would say is that the ASI and the structural engineers should immediately apply their mind to the immediate restoration and resurrection issues that are required," the bench observed in the order passed on August 3. The bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting various issues with regards to the Kopeshwar temple's 'poor infrastructure' and the 'expenses' being made by the Maharashtra Government to other ancillary works rather than focusing on preserving this temple, which is a heritage site. The judges pointed out that the Kopeshwar Temple is a 12th century architecture marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva built by the Shilahara dynasty between 1109 – 1178 CE and its sits on the bank of Krishna river and is famous for its intricate stone carving and unique detailing. It is built using heavy volcano black basalt rock from the Sahayadri mountain range brought via the river during floods. It is renowned for its unique circular open-topped (Swarg Mandap) intricate stone craving and a rare joint shrine where both Shiva and Vishnu are venerated. The bench further noted that the Swarg Mandap is supported by 48 excessively carved pillars with centre-locking holes in the centre looking up at the sky. The entire outer basement and exterior of the temple is supported by stone carving of 92 elephant facing outwards along with significant mythological stories depicted in the carving. In all, there are 108 pillars supporting entire temple structure."There are two huge cracks developed in the ceiling; one in the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) and one at the entrance, which are noticeable to the naked eye. On the south side of the temple, immediately outside the Garbhagriha, there is huge seepage of water, over the entire wall, because of which the entire wall is completely wet. The Deputy Executive Engineer also agrees that these issues need immediate attention," the bench observed. The other three issues which plague the world heritage site and require immediate attention pertain to the outer Swarga Mandap, which is supported by 48 pillars and it is given to understand that even if one of these 48 pillars is damaged or gives way, the entire Swarga Mandap may collapse. "Immediate attention is required for the restoration of three such affected pillars: Two of the pillars, due to their load bearing capacity and weight, due to weather, wear and tear, and exposure to the monsoon, have tilted slightly. These two pillars that have tilted require immediate attention and resurrection. The third pillar has, in fact, virtually given way, as has been noticed by the AS and the ASI has put up metal props to arrest the fall of the said third pillar," the bench noted. Further the bench noted that the lady ASI Guards have been deployed at the entry/exit points of the temple, who the judges noted, were 'virtually' unable to control the ingress of cows, which are brought by local residents, on certain days for worship purposes. "Such practices need to be stopped. We were also informed by the Police Patil that many visitors take their pet dogs inside the temple and are not stopped by the guards. Whenever we visit heritage sites in our country, we are inundated with huge plaques and signboards of the ASI setting out applicable rules and regulations. These signboards and plaques ought to be displayed at appropriate places outside the temple. These were absent; rather, they were placed inside and were in a very bad, dilapidated and broken condition. Therefore, all that we have impressed upon the ASI is to see that appropriate plaques and boards...

Bombay High Court Constitutes Committee To Examine Kopeshwar Temple Restoration Works, 'Humongous' Expenditure On Unrelated Projects

Narsi Benwal

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Narsi Benwal

Bombay High Court Constitutes Committee To Examine Kopeshwar Temple Restoration Works, 'Humongous' Expenditure On Unrelated Projects

Narsi Benwal

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INR 1099+GST

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Narsi Benwal

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