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The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Uttarkashi district administration have decided to revive and maintain a centuries-old Jagannath Temple in Sald village after it was brought to limelight by Odia actors Sabyasachi and Archita.
The temple located 4,000 ft above the sea level was lying neglected for years. The couple visited the temple on Bahuda Yatra last week and joined villagers in resuming prayers and attracted the attention of the authorities. “We are really thankful to the efforts of Sabyasachi Mishra, who brought this beautiful and ancient temple to our notice. Though the development of the temple is not our lookout, we would carry out peripheral development like parking facilities, putting up signages and publicise about it to make it a tourist attraction,” Uttarkashi Tourism Development Officer Jashpal Chauhan said.
Pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra enjoyed the day-long trip and hailed the tourism department for promoting the potential destinations of Jammu and providing them with a great opportunity to visit these places, the spokesperson said. Joint Director of Tourism Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta said the bus service shall help promote local destinations of Akhnoor, Jhiri, Suchetgarh, Purmandal, Mansar and Surinsar.
The temple in Barahat Himalayan forest range has remained hidden from people even in the digital era. “One of the chief priests of Jagannath Temple in Puri informed me about this temple last year. The beautiful temple has withstood the test of time. But its significance has faded from public memory. Due to financial constraints the villagers stopped the daily rituals at the temple. The Jagannath idol is considered their ancestral deity (kul devta) and worshipped on special occasions,” said Sabyasachi. “At the site, many emblems representing the Jagannath culture and folklores of the locals with Jagannath beliefs will enthrall and exhilarate Jagannath lovers globally,’ he said. On coming to know about the temple’s cultural and historical significance, Sabyasachi decided to revive interest in this hidden gem. He conducted extensive research and collaborated with local historians and scholars to unearth the temple’s captivating history. Through his social media platform, he shared captivating stories and breathtaking visuals, inviting the public to rediscover the spiritual oasis that had been tucked away for far too long.
Those associated with the temple are happy. “We are thankful to Sabyasachi and Archita for opening our eyes and bringing us closer to our deity. Now we will perform all daily rituals at the temple,” said Premballav Nautiyal, a local priest of Sald village.
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