The world’s highest Shiva temple is in danger. Tungnath, located 3,680 meters up in India’s Himalayas, is experiencing some severe structural problems caused by years of water damage from monsoon rains. India’s monsoon season usually lasts from June to September, bringing most of the country’s yearly rainfall.
The Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has issued a safety warning to visitors. According to The Economic Times, the committee stated that the ancient shrine in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district is suffering from a weakening foundation, shifting walls, and sinking ground. All these issues have led to water leaks throughout the structure, especially during rainy seasons.
It is not all that surprising that the Shiva temple is particularly susceptible to water damage, since it was primarily built from slate bricks. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, temple authorities have asked for help from national experts, including the Geological Survey of India and the Central Building Research Institute.
Uttarakhand’s tourism minister has promised that repairing the temple is a top priority for the state government. In September, teams from India’s Geological and Archaeological Surveys visited Tungnath to assess the damage. The Times of India reported that Manoj Saxena, the superintendent archaeologist at the Archaeological Surveys of India (ASI), stated that while their organisation doesn’t officially protect the site, they still provided advise on how to preserve it. Saxena also added that it’s now up to local authorities and the temple committee to act on these recommendations.
Tungnath, believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata, attracts many pilgrims and tourists each year. The Shiva temple’s high-altitude location, while scenic, exposes it to harsh weather conditions.