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A cultural treasure trove cries for attention

A historic temple in Udaipur subdivision of tribal Lahaul and Spiti district is crying for attention. The Mrikula Mata Temple, built in Kashtkuni style, is in a dilapidated condition for the past few years and requires immediate attention, so that it can be preserved.

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Dipender Manta

A historic temple in Udaipur subdivision of tribal Lahaul and Spiti district is crying for attention. 

The Mrikula Mata Temple, built in Kashtkuni style, is in a dilapidated condition for the past few years and requires immediate attention, so that it can be preserved.

According to locals, one of the walls of the temple has tilted and may collapse any time. The temple has huge religious significance for not only Lahaul and Spiti residents, but outsiders as well, as they come here to seek the blessing of Goddess Kali.

The temple is under the Archeological Department of Himachal Pradesh, who seems less concerned in renovating it on time. Local people and temple committee had informed the officials of the Archeological Department of the state about the critical condition of the temple, which may collapse anytime, if timely action was not taken to renovate it.

It is believed the Mrikula (Markula) Devi Temple was built in the 11th or 12th century and is located just above the bazaar at Udaipur, where a large number of devotees visit during the summer season. The Kali temple looks wholly unimposing from outside with an old looking wood-tiled ‘conical’ roof and simple walls. However, inside are some beautiful and intricate deodar-wood carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics. It is believed that the temple was constructed from a block of wood by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame.

The façade of the shrine, the ceiling and the pillars supporting it are earlier than those beside the window and two western pillars. Scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana decorate the temple.  “The wood carvings here are quite similar to those of Hadimba Temple in Manali and some believe it was the work of the same 16th-century craftsman. The silver idol of Kali (Mahishasurmardini) is a mixture of Rajasthani, Kashmiri and Tibetan styles with an oddly proportioned body,” said temple priest Thakur Das.

The carvings inside are exquisite and are reportedly made of ‘dayar’ wood. It is a highly revered place and an architectural delight.

A local resident said: “The nearby village was called Margul earlier, from which the temple derived its name — Mrikula. It is believed Goddess Kali killed demons Mahishasur and Raktbeej at this place. Because of the association, this temple is no less important than a Shaktipeeth.” “In 1972, a gang of robbers made an attempt to steal the idol and sell it in the international market, but due to the intervention of divine power, the thieves could not go beyond Manali and all of them had to suffer a lot for the sacrilege committed,” said Ramesh, a resident of Udaipur.

Temple priest Thakur Das said: “It is a centuries-old temple, which requires immediate attention. It needs to be renovated and preserved in its traditional form. Due to the passage of time and several earthquakes, one portion of the wall has tilted, which is a cause for concern. The temple has a huge religious significance in Lahaul-Spiti, where devotees from across the district and outside the district visit to pay obeisance to Goddess Kali.”

“The temple is under the Archaeology Department of Himachal Pradesh, who is responsible for its preservation. The temple committee had requested the authority concerned to look into the matter and renovate it on time before its collapses. Till now, there is no progress in this direction. The state government should take strict note of the situation and direct the officials concerned to do the needful,” he said. 


Peoplespeak

It is a centuries-old temple, which requires immediate attention. It needs to be renovated and preserved in its traditional form. Due to the passage of time and several earthquakes, one portion of the wall has tilted, which is a cause for concern. The temple has a huge religious significance in Lahaul-Spiti, where devotees from across the district and outside the district visit to pay obeisance to Goddess Kali. The wood carvings are quite similar to those of Hadimba Temple in Manali and some believe it was the work of the same 16th-century craftsman. The silver idol of Kali (Mahishasurmardini) is a mixture of Rajasthani, Kashmiri and Tibetan styles with an oddly proportioned body. Thakur Das, Temple priest

The nearby village was called Margul earlier, from which the temple derived its name — Mrikula. It is believed Goddess Kali killed demons Mahishasur and Raktbeej at this place. Because of the association, this temple is no less important than a Shaktipeeth. A local resident

In 1972, a gang of robbers made an attempt to steal the idol and sell it in the international market, but due to the intervention of divine power, the thieves could not go beyond Manali and all of them had to suffer a lot for the sacrilege committed. Ramesh, A resident of Udaipur

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