DNA SPECIAL: Centuries-old temples withered by vagaries of time to get new lease of life

These centuries-old temples see footfalls of millions of devotees annually. But these structures and the idols of their deities have been affected by the vagaries of time, climate, man-made alterations and rituals.

Now, the state government has launched a conditional assessment and conservation project at four temples in Maharashtra — Vithoba at Pandharpur, Tuljabhavani at Tuljapur, Osmanabad, Khandoba at Jejuri and Renuka Devi at Mahur. This assessment will be conducted by conservation architects and structural engineers and the state plans to involve temple trusts in the conservation of the idols and structures.

While conservation projects have been launched at Mahur and Jejuri, it will soon be initiated at Tuljapur. A condition assessment will be done at the Pandharpur shrine, with plans to declare the temple as a state protected monument in later.

"These temples are centuries-old and have seen alterations that have affected their capacity to bear the load of the structure. There have been instances where walls, beams and columns have been removed. Similarly, humidity and rituals like abhishek using milk and curd have affected the idols of presiding deities. Hence, there is a need to conserve these temples and their idols," said a senior official from the state department of culture.

Many such physical changes to the structures have been made over decades before the science of conservation had developed.

The official said the Jejuri temple trust would fund the conservation project at the site. "Drone mapping has been undertaken. We also plan to control the use of bhandara (turmeric, which is thrown in the air on festive occasions) and use of milk and bananas for abhishek. Solid waste management will be undertaken," he explained. At Mahur, structural stability of the temple and restoration will be done. The project will also cover mapping the impact of rituals on the idols and structures.

While parts of the Pandharpur temple, which is frequented by devotees from across Maharashtra and neighbouring states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, were constructed in around the 12th century, other portions like the kalash (pinnacle) are later additions in the 17th or 18th century. The Tuljapur temple, whose deity was venerated by warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has several layers, but is said to a 16-17th century construction, while the Mahur temple was built around 15-16th century, said the official.

The Khandoba temple at Jejuri near Pune was rebuilt during the reign of the Peshwas. The worship of Khandoba, a folk God, was established around 12th and 13th century.

While the Jejuri temple is a state government protected site, the final notification for including the Mahur temple in the list of such monuments is awaited.

The directorate has 371 monuments in its ambit, including 153 temples, 49 forts, 20 caves and 149 other features, but has just around 100 watchmen for their protection. Some state protected monuments in Mumbai include the forts at Bandra, Dharavi, Mahim and Worli, August Kranti Maidan, Banganga, Gateway of India, St George fort, the Dean's bungalow in the JJ School of Arts.