Experts of temple architecture have sounded concern over the original structure of the revered Kedarnath shrine and its vaastu being wantonly tampered with as part of the reconstruction activities now going on in full swing under the direct supervision of the Centre. They say that it goes against the traditional rules of temple architecture.
The temple of Kedarnath was built on the typical ‘Middle Himadri Architectural Style’ as part of which the temple comprises Garbha Graha where the deity is kept, the Summit, Mandapam, Boundary and Courtyard and the basic outlay of such hoary temples is square- shaped, say the specialists who have studied on the architectural style of such temples built years ago.
Expressing concern on the reconstruction and developmental activities going now at full throttle which has resulted in expanding the courtyard of the temple much beyond the traditional proportions, a noted expert on architecture of the old temples cradled in the Himalayas, Dr Y S Kathoch said while talking to The Pioneer that the zealous Government out to rebuild the shrine according to its grandiose plans has seemingly failed to bring on board the architects adept in making reconstruction plans in sync with the long-continuing tradition and instead relied more on some civil architects who are ignorant of the nuances of the traditional shrine architecture.
“According to the Middle Himadri Architecture- the one on which the Kedarnath temple was built- the length of the courtyard should not measure more than one arm of the rectangular Garbh Grah. In Kedarnath, the courtyard has been expanded many folds beyond the right proportions, something which negates the original architecture of the temple. If the Government’s intention is to create space for a large gathering it should have created a separate platform outside the temple premises. If we look closely into the architecture of the temples located across north India or particularly those nestled in the Himalayas we find no instance of a courtyard meant for large congregation or celebration. Those in Southern India have however such spacious courtyards,’’ he explained.
Notably, Kathoch has authored a book ‘Middle Himadri Art- A canonical Study In Reference to Uttarakhand’ which is considered an important research work by many on the intricate style of temple architecture which had evolved in the construction of the temples located in the Himalayas over thousands of years. He further claimed that the changes like removing the circumvallating boundary and changing direction of the natural drainage of water has created a type of ‘Vastu Dosh’ which any pilgrim with basic knowledge of Vastu would detect easily.
BJP’s Chauhan appreciates makeover, rebuts charges
The BJP spokesperson Munna Singh Chauhan, however, rubbished the charge that the architecture of Kedarnath temple has been tampered with. He said that a majestic platform where 500 persons can be present at a time has been created there. “All encroachments around the temple have been removed and it is appearing very imposing now,” he said, adding that the pilgrims visiting the temple are appreciating the structural makeover being undertaken in Kedarnath.
Tampering with original structure unfortunate: Manoj Rawat
The Kedarnath MlA Manoj Rawat said that tampering the original architecture of Kedarnath temple is unfortunate and unacceptable. Buttressing his point, he invoked ‘Samarangan Sutradhar’ written by King Bhoj which is a treatise on the north Indian temples. “According to it, a temple is considered as a living body with the idol being its soul,” he said. Rawat said that all parts of the temple like Garbha Grah, Summit, Mandapam and Courtyard ought to be proportionate akin to the parts of a human body. He said that the sanctity of the Kedarnath shrine is now at skate with the sprawling courtyard threatening to eclipse the main temple.
Rawat further said that earlier, the temple had a bell hanging on a side of the courtyard and there were nine stairs which led to the market. “Now all these have been removed which has changed the original magnificent look of the temple,” he affirmed.