Amidst the lofty deodar (cedar) trees in Almora district’s Jageshwar village stand at least 125 picturesque stone structures of varying sizes, forming the Jageshwar group of temples – a Hindu pilgrimage site built between the 9th and 13th century AD.
The temple complex — where most of the structures are dedicated to Shiva — and 24 other monuments across the country were identified by the Central government under the ‘Adarsh Smarak’ scheme to be “conserved and upgraded” as tourist sites. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is to begin work next month to conserve and upgrade the temple complex.
An ASI archaeological museum, which already has idols that were removed from the shrine, has been set up near the temple complex. Under the scheme, a garbage disposal system, streamlining of waste water, Wifi, cafeteria, and accessibility for the differently-abled will also be set up.
“Since the area witnesses a lot of rainfall the temples are exposed to high moisture and heavy dampness. This being the perfect condition for micro vegetation to grow on the temple structures, it could cause slow damage to the stone fabric,” ASI Director (Science) V. K. Saxena said, adding: “The biological growth on the stone structures also reduces the aesthetic appeal of the temple complex.”
The ASI will first chemically treat the structures. First, the lichens and moss on the structures will be removed and then they will be coated with a preservative to insulate them from different weather conditions, especially moisture.
“Once insulated, the structures will be preserved for six to seven years after which the process of chemical treatment will be repeated,” Mamta Pangtey, the Assistant Superintending Archaeological Chemist, said.
