200-year-old twin temples continue to crumble

Standing tall since 1820, the Shree Shree Anandamoyee Shiva and Kali Mata Mandir, also known as "Dhaksinashar Mandir," or "twin temple" in Mymensingh's Muktagacha upazila were once revered for their architectural beauty and spiritual significance.

However, the passing of time has not been kind to these temples, as they continue to suffer from the ravages of neglect. They are left to decay amidst bureaucratic delays in the Department of Archaeology's (DoA) much-needed renovation efforts.

Erected under the patronage of Shreemoti Bimola Devi, the mother of Zaminder Shashikanta Acharya Chowdhury, these twin temples have been an integral part of the local community's cultural and religious heritage for over two centuries.

Citing it as an archaeological site, the DoA authorities took over this temple in 1993, with the promise of preserving and restoring them for future generations to admire and cherish.

There's a stark contrast between the department's assurances and the reality on the ground. While the locals have long awaited the revival of these temples, the government body responsible for their renovation has remained apathetic, failing to initiate any meaningful steps toward their restoration.

Caught in a bureaucratic limbo, the temple authorities find themselves unable to carry out the much-needed renovations, citing the jurisdiction of the government.

Religious events within these sacred walls have gradually dwindled, and the twin temples continue to languish in ruins.

The twin-temple is oblong in shape with conical tops and small corridors. It stands on a high basement, which is connected to the staircase leading to a large pond.

However, due to a lack of maintenance, weeds and bushes have grown inside the temple, and several cracks have developed on its roof and walls.

"We cannot take up renovation works, even at our own expense, as the temples are now under the government's custody," said Joyanta Kumar Saha, general secretary of the temple's management committee.

"Devotees panic while performing their rituals as they fear that the temple's roof may collapse," said Nayan Kumar Dey, a committee member.

"The situation gets worse during monsoon as rainwater enters the temples.

Renovation work should start immediately, said Alok, a 65-year-old local.

Contacted, Afroza Khan Mita, regional director of DoA in Mymensingh, said a proposal urging the authorities concerned to initiate a renovation project has already been sent.

"The work will commence after the project is approved," she said.