Bhakna (Amritsar), July 11
The beautiful frescoes in the ancient Hindu temple in this border village stand damaged, thanks to the indifferent approach of its caretakers.

The temple complex, made of Nanakshahi bricks and housing Shiva, Krishna, Sandhu and Hanuman temples, has been whitewashed from inside and outside without caring for its heritage value.

The name of this historical temple has also found mention in Punjabi folk songs. The temple was considered a great landmark in the border belt. The complex also houses a religious place, believed to be constructed in memory of Kala Mehar, ancestor of Sandhus.

The entire structure of the temple is in a dilapidated condition and few devotees visit the place now. Mr Ram Lubhaiya Sharma, a retired teacher from the village, said that the temple was built before the foundation of the village. The residential houses started coming up around the temple about 300 years ago and it used to be visited by a number of devotees from far-flung areas.

Shockingly, the idols of Krishna, Hanuman and other gods and goddesses have been freshly painted. The publicity material written on the outer wall of the structure is a big eyesore.

The magnificent Talab (holy tank), made of Nanakshahi bricks, is also in a bad shape. The caretaker of the temple alleged that the encroachers had usurped 4 acres of the agricultural land, attached with the temple during the days of militancy.

Mr Budh Ram, mahant of the temple said that offerings from the temple had come down drastically even as some non-historical religious places had sprung up in its vicinity.