Crisis Looms Over Historical Mahamaya Temple’s Existence Amidst Heavy Rains
2 min read
Sundarnagar, August 27: The historical Mahamaya Temple in the Suket Principality is facing a crisis due to the threat of its existence. The incessant heavy rains over the past few days have caused deep cracks in the right side of the temple. If the weather continues to be the same in the coming days, there is a possibility of the temple premises being at risk of collapse.
Currently, as per the instructions of Raja Hari Sen, the temple administration has covered the areas with cracks and fissures using tarpaulin and has asked the contractor responsible for the repairs to address these cracks. Recognizing the potential danger posed by the cracks that have appeared in the temple, a team from the municipal council visited the Mahamaya Temple premises. The municipal council president, Jitendra Sharma, instructed Ward Councilor Kalpana Verma to prepare a report on the landslides and submit it to the municipal council promptly. This action is aimed at mitigating the potential risk by repairing the foundation cracks in time.
Former temple priest Acharya Roshan Sharma expressed concerns about the threat to the existence of the historical Mahamaya Temple in the Suket Principality. He urged the administration and local people to come forward to save this temple of historical significance. Ward Councilor Kalpana Verma mentioned that heavy rains in the area have led to deep cracks on the right side of the temple. The IIT Mandi team will soon be called for inspection, and appropriate steps will be taken to address the issue.
Sundarnagar Municipal Council President Jitendra Sharma stated that Ward Councilors have been instructed to prepare a report promptly regarding the cracks in a section of the temple, in order to address them. Comprehensive measures will be taken to ensure the security of Mahamaya Temple, which holds a central place of faith for people.
In 1932, Raja Lakshman Sen of the Suket Principality commissioned the construction of the temple. It was believed that there were irregularities in the worship that prevented his progeny for several years. After receiving a dream visit from Goddess Mahamaya, he restarted the worship after acknowledging the irregularities. He reconstructed the temple in a modern form near his palace in Dehri, using an ancient shikhara style. Later, he was blessed with a son, Raja Lalit Sen. He had five sons and two daughters. The temple has sections dedicated to Durga, Shiv Gaura, and Guru Granth Sahib, along with a sleeping chamber for Goddess Mahamaya and Goddess Lakshmi, and Guru Granth Sahib’s chamber. The main entrance is flanked by a temple dedicated to Kesari Nandan Hanuman.
The temple marks the culmination of the state-level Devta and Nalvad Mela festivals, with worship and rituals to honor the goddess. During this time, thousands of people participate, along with the deities, in this annual event.
