‘Beyond comprehension’: Court on Rs 22-cr work at Kolhapur’s Kopeshwar Temple

The Bombay High Court recently expressed deep concern over the proposed expenditure of over Rs 22 crore on a compound wall and river ghat near the historic Kopeshwar Temple in Kolhapur's Khidrapur village. The court emphasized that preserving the 12th-century heritage site should take precedence over such costly ventures. Justices Milind N Jadhav and Nandesh S Deshpande, hearing a PIL aimed at safeguarding the temple, stated that the temple's conservation needs urgent attention due to severe structural issues.

Two major cracks had formed on the temple's ceiling, and heavy water seepage was damaging its south side. The judges also noted that three of the 48 load-bearing pillars in the temple's outer Swarga Mandap were damaged, one supported by metal props by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), requiring immediate action. The court questioned the rationale behind the proposed Rs 10 crore for the compound wall, deeming it excessive when the funds could be better allocated to addressing the temple's urgent conservation needs.

Similarly, the bench expressed reservations about the Rs 12.84 crore earmarked for constructing a river ghat, 200 meters away from the temple's sacred site and separated by a road. The court highlighted that this expenditure, drawn from the state exchequer, appeared beyond comprehension, especially when the primary focus should be on preserving the temple.

The bench formed an independent committee of five advocates to conduct a thorough inspection of the temple site and submit a report within four weeks. They also requested logistical and security assistance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and police to ensure a thorough investigation. The court's decision to postpone further proceedings to August 31 underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive plan to restore and conserve the Kopeshwar Temple, a revered architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva.