KOLHAPUR, INDIA, April 14, 2002: Due to lack of funding by the state government, five ancient temples in the city are in dire need of attention. The Vitthal Mandir that was constructed around the 5th century ce is a fine example of Jain art. With an intricate carved door frame, carvings on the outer walls, and ornate pillars the Mandir exudes architectural beauty. Along with the Omkareshwar temple, Ram mandir, Ganpati mandir and Dutta mandir, the architectural grandeur of these five temples has suffered. During the last ten years, the state archaeological department and trustees have watched helplessly as the walls and ceilings of these temples have caved in. Black stone interiors have been painted yellow, orange and blue. Courtyards now house goons and gamblers and people often remove stones from the temple to mend their houses. Shamsunder Zanwar, trustee of the main Vitthal temple said his duty was confined only to religious ceremonies. Arjun N. Late, Pune’s assistant director of the department of archaeology added, “I visited the temples in 1980-81 and submitted a report to the state department for their repairs. For reasons best known to the authorities concerned, no action has been taken to date.”
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike