Pathanamthitta: The famous temple of Mangala Devi located in the Periyar Tiger reserve forest is facing it’s destruction without proper care and attention from the government authorities.
Temple which is dedicated to Kannaki, has now become the camping ground for wild animals. Precious sculptures and stone carvings inside the temple, depicting the golden past of the Cheran era will be lost for ever if not preserved atleast now eteriorating with every season. Devotees are allowed entry to this temple only on the full moon day of Visakaham. Rest other days, the temple remains isolated and thus becomes the grazing ground for wild animals.
Mangala Devi temple,dating back to several centuries was built during the Cheran era. This temple is dedicated to Kannaki whose husband, Kovalan was mistakenly beheaded by the king .According to legend ,Kovalan was killed by the king’s guards without trial for stealing queen’s anklet. Kannaki who was furious at this injustice, burnt Madurai city with her divine power gained through her prayers. Afterwards, she is believed to have come to this hill and attained salvation along with Kovalan. Legends say, the temple was later on built by the Chera kings in memory of Kannaki.
Decades back, several invaders and robbers tied to destroy the temple- not even the idol of main deity Kannaki was spared from the attacks. In the 80’s there was an attempt to renovate the temple but nothing happened due to the ownership disputes between TN and Kerala governments.
The temple which is of utmost historical importance is built with huge rocks with beautiful carvings. Among the remnants available today, there are visible evidences to prove the existence of a big structure before the arrival of temple-invaders. The saddest part is that, none of the Governments are willing to preserve the temple for coming generations.It is a pity to note that authorities are doing nothing to preserve and renovate the temple. It is trees and weeds grown all over the ceiling and compound walls, the idol of main deity Kannaki is missing – so bad is the present plight of the temple. An idol of Ganapathi also can be seen among the ruins, which if not preserved immediately will be lost forever.
Responsible governments must take immediate measures to protect and preserve a Temple that holds the gateway to a past golden era which significantly indicates the growth of art and sculpture in past.To deviate from it’s responsibility will be a crime committed towards a great civilization and history.
Mangala Devi also reminds us of a greater conspiracy in the name of secularism, that denies rights to the majority Hindus to protect their places of worship as the Temple is owned by Government and not by devotees.
Source: haindavakeralam.org
Also See
> Vedio Gallery of Save Temple Campaign
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