Dr Karan Singh, Vikramaditya assess damage caused to Ranbireshwar Temple

Vow to restore temple building to its original shape

JAMMU, October 19: Chairman Trustee of J&K Dharmarth Trust, and former Member of Parliament, Dr. Karan Singh and Vikramaditya Singh, Trustee of Trust and former MLC on Thursday assessed damaged caused to Shri Ranbireshwar Temple due to heavy rainfall and lightning which struck the temple on Tuesday.

Moved by the unfortunate incident, Dr Karan Singh reached the historical temple directly after arriving at Jammu Airport as he was in Delhi when this natural catastrophe occurred two days back. The Chairman Trustee also visited inside the temple premises, took stock of the whole temple complex, paid obeisance and performed Pooja.

Dr Karan Singh expressed deep concern over the damage caused to the temple after the lightning struck the ancient building holding lot of significance among the devotees of Lord Shiva hailing from J&K and even from outside the UT.  
After a thorough assessment of the damaged portion, Dr Karan Singh has assured that sooner than later, the building will be restored to its original shape as already the restoration work is in progress.  

In a press briefing, the former Member Parliament also assured that the concerned government agencies shall be approached for the safety audit of the building before giving a green signal to the devotees to resume normal course of offering prayers.  

Speaking with media persons, Vikramaditya Singh, who has came from Srinagar directly to the temple, said that it was the grace of the Almighty that no loss of life or injury was reported despite collapse of the building due to incessant rain and lightning. He also laid stress on scientific audit of the entire building for its structural viability and safety concerns. He said that Dharmarth Trust is committed to restore the pristine glory of the temple but it is not in favour of compromising on the matter of safety and therefore every possible step will be taken prior to its reconstruction to ensure safety of the building.    

“The J&K Dharmarth Trust remains resolute in its commitment to preserve this revered place of worship and ensuring the safety of all those who visit Shri Ranbireshwar Temple. The restoration process will proceed with the utmost care and diligence, underscoring the trust’s dedication to upholding the spiritual heritage of the region”, he added.

Later, the former MLC has also paid obeisance and performed Pooja in the temple premises. Brig. R.S Langeh (Retd), President of the Trust, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Secretary and Varinder Jamwal, Additional Secretary were also present.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)