AI Generated Summary
- For centuries, the Mukteshwar temple has stood as a silent sentinel on the banks of the Ravi, a “sanctuary of serenity in a chaotic world,” as sages once described it.
- As the waters of the Ravi now lap gently against the fortified banks, the ancient caves of Mukteshwar stand tall — an enduring symbol of the power of belief, community, and human ingenuity.
- What followed was nearly a decade of peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and appeals to the authorities — all in the hope of saving the temple from being lost beneath the waters.
For centuries, the Mukteshwar temple has stood as a silent sentinel on the banks of the Ravi, a “sanctuary of serenity in a chaotic world,” as sages once described it. Carved out of living rock, the 5,500-year-old shrine is steeped in legend — a sacred site believed to grant moksha, or liberation from the cycle of life and death. Mythology holds that the Pandavas of the Mahabharata sought refuge here during their exile.
The complex, comprising five man-made caves dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Hanuman, and Parvati, has long drawn lakhs of devotees and tourists alike, especially during the famed Mukesran-Da-Mela festival held each April. Every stone, locals say, whispers of divinity — and every prayer offered here is a plea to preserve its sanctity.
A Temple on the Brink of Submersion
That sanctity was threatened in 2014, when villagers learned that the newly constructed Shahpur Kandi Dam reservoir would submerge the temple. For the residents of nearby Matti, Kot, Doong, and Jugial villages, it felt like the soul of their land was at risk.
“The thought of losing our temple was unbearable,” recalled Gulzar Singh, president of the Mukteshwar Dham Bachao Committee (MDBC). The committee was formed in desperation to protect the ancient shrine. What followed was nearly a decade of peaceful protests, hunger strikes, and appeals to the authorities — all in the hope of saving the temple from being lost beneath the waters.
Even a visit from then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who promised funds and support, failed to bring relief. “Neither the funds came, nor Amarinder came back,” said one villager bitterly.
The Turning Point
Salvation came from an unexpected quarter. Sher Singh, the pragmatic and determined chief engineer of the barrage, took it upon himself to find a solution. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” he told the distraught locals.
Under his guidance, a team of experts and engineers devised an innovative plan: the construction of a protective concrete wall, effectively a mini-dam, to shield the temple complex. The surrounding mountains were drilled to anchor supports, and cutting-edge infrastructure was deployed to ensure stability.
“It was a highly technical operation,” said Sher Singh. “But the result was worth every effort — the caverns were saved.”
Faith Meets Fortitude
When the news broke that the temple had been saved, celebrations erupted across the villages. Residents performed special poojas, their tears of relief mingling with chants of gratitude. Nonagenarian Gian Singh summed up the collective emotion: “We prayed with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. A miracle had happened.”
Though the core structure has been safeguarded, the MDBC continues to press for the completion of auxiliary facilities — the Langar Hall, Puja Sthal, and Bandar Kaksh — which remain unfinished. “We want the remaining structures built as promised,” said Bhim Singh, MDBC’s general secretary.
Sher Singh maintains that work is ongoing, pending a safety review by the dam’s technical wing. “We are on the job,” he assured. “The rest will be built once we get the green signal.”
Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
The survival of the Mukteshwar temple is more than just a story of successful engineering — it is a testament to unwavering faith and collective resolve. It reminds us that heritage is not merely inherited; it is actively protected, often at great cost.
As the waters of the Ravi now lap gently against the fortified banks, the ancient caves of Mukteshwar stand tall — an enduring symbol of the power of belief, community, and human ingenuity.
Indeed, out of difficulties are born miracles.
