Residents Demand Immediate Protection for Temple in Chhotaudepur, Gujarat

Synopsis

In Chhotaudepur, Gujarat, locals are protesting for urgent action to safeguard the Arjunanath Mahadev Temple from flooding threats. After the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple was destroyed in 2022, residents fear history may repeat itself, prompting a series of demonstrations demanding governmental intervention.

Key Takeaways

Protests initiated to protect Arjunanath Mahadev Temple.
Residents fear erosion similar to Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple's fate.
Dhun chanting program organized to amplify demands.
Market shutdown planned as a protest on January 31.
Local authorities urged to reinforce temple’s foundation.

Chhotaudepur (Gujarat), Jan 30 (NationPress) After the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple was destroyed by the 2022 floods in Gujarat's Chhotaudepur, concerned locals are taking to the streets to prevent a similar disaster for another temple in the vicinity. Residents in the Sankheda area protested on Thursday, calling for urgent measures to protect the historic Arjunanath Mahadev Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Uchch River.

A delegation submitted a memorandum on January 27 to Mamlatdar and Resident Collector Shailesh Goklani, urging immediate action to secure the temple from potential erosion. Protesters emphasized that the catastrophic floods of 2022 devastated the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple, and now the Arjunanath Mahadev Temple, which precariously sits on the riverbank, is also at high risk.

To strengthen their demands, residents organized a Dhun programme (continuous religious chanting) on Thursday and announced a complete market closure in Sankheda on January 31 as a form of protest.

“The Arjunanath Mahadev Temple is located near Sankheda on the banks of the Uchch River and was once accompanied by the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple, which was lost to the floods in 2022. Now, the Arjunanath Mahadev Temple is endangered due to its precarious riverbank location,” sources indicated.

Residents have called upon authorities to implement immediate measures to bolster the temple’s foundation and prevent further erosion. They warned that without prompt action, the temple could collapse like the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple did. Local leaders and devotees pledged to “persist in their protests until tangible measures are taken to protect the centuries-old temple, which bears immense religious and historical significance for the community,” a local shared.

The Arjunanath Mahadev Temple serves as a vital religious site in Chhotaudepur, devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as Arjunanath. It holds considerable cultural, spiritual, and historical value for the locals.

This temple is recognized for its ancient architecture and religious significance, drawing pilgrims from surrounding regions. It is located near another prominent temple, the Nakuleshwar Mahadev Temple, which was unfortunately swept away during the floods in 2022, caused by the overflow of the Uchch River.

Chhotaudepur, a district primarily inhabited by tribal communities, has over 75 percent of its population classified as Scheduled Tribe (ST), including groups such as the Rathwas, Bhils, Nayakas, and Tadvis. The area is celebrated for its Pithora paintings, Gher dance, and vibrant tribal festivals like the Kavant Fair, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Nestled within the Satpura range, it features dense forests, rivers, and the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Traditionally a bastion of the Congress party, the district has witnessed a rising influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years, aligning with the party’s outreach to tribal voters. The region has representation in both the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha, with political parties focusing on tribal rights, forest conservation, education, and employment issues.