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| Purmandal: A classic case of official, political apathy | | 2500 year old piece of heritage decaying thick and fast | |  Abodh Sharma
Early Times Report
jammu, Aug 18: The ancient temple complex of Purmandal has been a classic example of neglect and apathy of the successive Governments. Blame it on the Kashmir centric policies of the successive governments especially with regards to tourism and the indifference of the Jammu leadership, the place of immense historic and religious importance has been relegated to grave insignificance.
Situated on the banks of river Devika, some thirty kilometers from Jammu in Samba district, this temple complex dedicated to lord Shiv and Parvati has a history dating back to over 2500 years. According to Hindu mythology, a dip in holy Devika at Purmandal opens gateway to renunciation. This is why, this place is also called 'Chhota Kaashi', but it is ironical, this piety and religious and mythological importance of Purmandal was neglected by the Governments and leadership of Jammu, as a result of which, Purmandal, which had the potential of being a major centre of pilgrimage tourism in the region, has been forgotten and forgone. The only initiative of the Government to keep Purmandal on the tourism map of the region is three day fair organized here on the occasion of Shivratri, but that too is a mere official formality and is never backed by serious efforts to project Purmandal in accordance with its mythological importance.
Besides The Government, Dharmarth trust that exercises control over the temple complex has done little over the years to add on to the existing facilities for the pilgrims. Many people prefer to conduct the last rites of their loved ones at Purmandal at the banks of holy Devika due to the mythological beliefs, but they rue lack of basic facilities. "There is a dire need of sheds, waiting areas and other facilities so that people get basic conveniences at least" said Avtar Singh, a local.
Onus lies on BJP, which is sharing power in the current coalition government to take up comprehensive steps not only to develop Purmandal as a destination of pilgrimage tourism, but also to convey the historic and religious significance of the ancient place far and wide. |
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