Security warning for the highest Shiva temple in the world

Indian authorities have issued a safety warning for travelers planning to visit the world's highest Shiva temple after the monsoon season made the site unsafe.

The Tungnath temple in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand in northern India suffered structural damage due to heavy water impact accelerated by monsoons across the country, it said The Economic Times. Damage includes a weakened foundation and unstable walls.

Located at an altitude of 3,680 meters, the temple is a popular destination for tourists and Hindus as it is the highest temple dedicated to Shiva in the world. Like many other temples of this type, Tungnath Temple is built primarily from slate bricks and slabs. Shiva is a prominent deity in the Hindu faith and the name of the temple means “Lord of the Peaks”.

However, the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee warned travelers that the area was becoming unsafe, committee head Ajendra Ajay said in a statement The Economic Times: “The temple is facing serious problems such as subsidence, weakening foundation and shifting wall slates, which have led to water leakage, especially during the rainy season.”

Accordingly The Economic TimesThe committee also said that in September it had sought assistance from the Geological Survey of India and the Central Building Research Institute in restoring the temple.

Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj also reacted to the warning and said, “In view of the water leakage and structural issues of the temple, the government is prioritizing repairs to ensure that the structure remains safe for all visitors.”

Newsweek contacted the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee for further information.

The monsoon season in India usually lasts from June to September. According to the Climate Prediction Center, the country receives 90 percent of its annual rainfall during this period. Due to Tungnath Temple's altitude, it is more exposed to the elements than other religious sites.

Some reports suggest that India's monsoon season is worsening due to erratic weather activity caused by climate change. In 2021, The Economist reported that rainfall in the country could increase by 5.5 percent.

Shiva plays a central role in a sect of Hinduism called Shaivism, which is considered one of the religion's largest denominations. Shiva is portrayed as the lord of life and death and is one of the three main deities in Hinduism, along with Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is worshiped in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

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