Safety Alert Issued for World’s Tallest Shiva Temple

Indian authorities have issued a safety advisory for travelers intending to visit the world’s highest Shiva temple, following damage caused by the monsoon season that has rendered the site hazardous.

Tungnath Temple, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district at an elevation of 3,680 meters, has suffered significant structural damage due to prolonged exposure to water, intensified by the heavy rains. According to The Economic Times, the temple’s foundation has weakened, and its walls have become unstable, raising concerns about its safety.

A revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination, Tungnath Temple is dedicated to the deity Shiva. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is built mainly from slate bricks and slabs, a common construction style for temples in the region. The temple’s name, “Tungnath,” translates to “Lord of the Peaks,” highlighting its spiritual and geographical significance.

However, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee has warned visitors that the area is increasingly unsafe. Committee head Ajendra Ajay stated in a press release shared with The Economic Times, “The temple is facing critical issues such as subsidence, a weakening foundation, and shifting slate walls, leading to water leakage, particularly during the monsoon season.”

In response, the committee has reached out to the Geological Survey of India and the Central Building Research Institute for assistance in repairing the temple, with restoration efforts expected to begin in September.

Uttarakhand’s tourism minister, Satpal Maharaj, also commented on the situation, stating that the government is prioritizing repairs to address the water leakage and structural instability, ensuring the temple remains safe for future visitors.

India’s monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, delivering around 90 percent of the country’s annual rainfall. Tungnath’s high-altitude location makes it more vulnerable to the elements compared to other religious sites. Some reports suggest that India’s monsoon seasons are becoming more erratic and severe due to climate change. In 2021, The Economist reported that rainfall in the country could increase by 5.5 percent due to these shifting climate patterns.

Shiva, one of Hinduism’s three principal deities alongside Brahma and Vishnu, is central to the Shaivism sect. Worship of Shiva extends beyond India to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, where he is venerated as a god of both destruction and regeneration.

Newsweek has reached out to the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee for further information on the temple’s restoration.