Burnt main temple to remain shut; restoration work not complete
Burnt main temple to remain shut; restoration work not complete
There is bad news for those who were planning to visit the Akshardham temple during the Diwali weekend. They won't be able to offer prayers in the main temple of the grand complex in east Delhi. The temple is still under renovation, after a fire damaged the six ashtadhatu statues inside it on the intervening night of June 4 and 5.
The fire, as reported by MiD DAY on July 9, also damaged the 10-feet-high Swaminarayan idol.
Authorities say they will be able to open the temple only by December.
Janak Dave, the temple spokesperson, said, "Carving work of the idols is still on. We won't be able to open it this Diwali. But the temple is expected to be opened by December."
Earlier, the temple authorities had planned to let devotees in on the pious day of Diwali.
"Around one hundred artists from a remote village in Rajasthan are engaged in the carving job. But carving takes time and has been delayed. It is beyond our reach," said Dave.
Diwali rush
The temple sees around 5,000 to 7,000 visitors on regular days. However, during the peak season and religiously significant days like Diwali, the number goes up to 10,000 and even beyond.
"The footfall goes up to 10,000 visitors during Diwali. But this figure is nothing compared to the rush the other temple in Gujarat sees," Dave said.
The accident The fire had gutted the wooden pedestal brought in from Gandhinagar in Gujarat. As the burnt platform gave way, the six idols had toppled over and were damaged.
Reportedly, a short circuit in the pedestal fans installed to cool the idols led to the fire.
It is for the first time that the temple has been closed for such a long period.
