Pilgrims visiting Kangra temple sleep in open

KANGRA: Hundreds of pilgrims visiting Kangra the seat of Bajjreshwari one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Sati had to sleep in the open in the absence of adequate arrangements

Updated At : 12:24 PM Jun 08, 2019 IST

The Bajjreshwari temple in Kangra.

Ashok Raina

Kangra, June 7

Hundreds of pilgrims visiting Kangra, the seat of Bajjreshwari, one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of Goddess Sati, had to sleep in the open in the absence of adequate arrangements.

The Bajjreshwari Temple Trust is controlled by the state government and temple officer looks after the day-to-day affairs.

Lakhs of rupees, gold and silver are offered by devotees at the temple. Still, the authorities have failed to develop the town. Even basic facilities elude the place.

On Wednesday night, the pilgrims had to sleep in the open and bear the sweltering heat as hotels, dharamshalas and other guest houses were packed to capacity due to peak tourist season.

Munish Karol from Delhi said he, along with his family, had to go through a harrowing time as there was no arrangement for night stay. “My kid is one-year-old and parents in their 80s. We had to sleep along Tehsil Chowk. The authorities should do something about it. There should be shelters or a proper accommodation for people coming from far-off places,” he said.

Gujjar Singh from Punjab said the state government should take interest in the development of Kangra. Facilities should be in place. “Last night, it was hot and humid and later high-velocity winds started blowing,” he added.

Kangra SDM Jatin Lal, who was on leave, said a community hall was to be inaugurated at Gupt Ganga. The renovation of Gupt Ganga was under way. The SDM, who is also the Assistant Commissioner, Temples, said a serai outside the temple was being renovated.