Chandikhole: The famous Chandi temple, a state government recognised tourist spot, here has been facing many managerial issues for last several months.
The shrine is slowly losing its sheen and green cover in the absence of proper management. There are reports that claimed several irregularities in the performance of rituals at the shrine.
According to sources, the endowment commissioner had directed Jajpur endowment inspector Ashis Kumar Singh to take charge of the Chandi temple administration for its smooth management. However, the inspector is yet to take charge.
“Many beautification projects at the shrine, including an artificial spring, pool and garden, have been lying in disarray due to improper care. The temple, which had a footfall of at least a thousand every day in the past, is now getting only a handful of visitors,” claimed a local.
According to the locals, the temple administration has stopped providing food and other assistance to Santoshanand Brahmachari whose ancestor Bhairabanand Brahmachari was instrumental in the establishment of the shrine.
Sources claimed some people had illegally constituted a trust board for the shrine in 2016. Challenging the formation of the trust board, several petitions were filed in Orissa High Court and with the state endowment commissioner.
Hearing a petition, the endowment commissioner had asked the Jajpur district endowment inspector to take charge of the Chandi temple management till the formation of a new trust board. However, a few members of the outgoing trust board had challenged the commissioner’s order in the High Court. The court, however, allowed the endowment department to take control of the temple for the time being and constitute a new trust board for its management.
Locals, meanwhile, urged the endowment commissioner to take appropriate steps for proper management of the temple.
When contacted, Jajpur endowment inspector Ashis Kumar Singh said he has been suffering from several health complications for last few days. “I have written to the endowment commissioner and told him that I could not take charge of the temple management due to poor health,” he added.
It’s interesting to know that Chandikhole, the tri-junction of three National Highways, has derived its name from the Chandi temple.
PNN
