ASI to restore 12th century Jain temple at Panchmahals soon

The Archaeological Survey of India,Vadodara Circle plans to restore yet another World Heritage Site-the 12th century Jain Temple at Panchmahals district-this financial year.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI),Vadodara Circle plans to restore yet another World Heritage Site the 12th century Jain Temple at Panchmahals district this financial year. Estimates are being prepared and work is likely to begin in April this year.

Located close to the Dudhiya Lake atop the Pavagadh hill near Halol,the temple was in the news last year after a priest,Maganlal Maharaj,was found illegally occupying the temple for 25 years. Since the temple falls under ASI jurisdiction,it removed all commercial encroachments in July last year.

ASI Superintendent Shivananda Rao said: Recently,we held a meeting with the higher officials. We will be preparing an estimate for the site and preservation work will begin shortly thereafter.

Story continues below this ad

H C Verma,Senior Conservation Assistant,Pavagadh,said: A priest had been occupying this area for the last 25 years. The ASI had issued an ultimatum to him,but he did not honour it. Last year,the ASI removed all encroachments within the temple premises.

ASI officials alleged that Maharaj had literally transformed the protected monument into a shop selling cold drinks and other food items. He stayed inside the temple with his two sons and daughter-in-law and also used it as a storeroom.

Verma said there are over ten idols in the temple,right from Lord Adinath to Lord Mahavir. ASI officials said the temple is believed to be the one where Lord Ramas sons,Luv and Kush,had converted to Jainism. The temple is also considered to be a Siddh Kshetra of the Jain religion like the Girnar Mountain,Shetrunjya Hill and Tranga Hill.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram