The Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple Trust in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, has resolved to conduct a thorough assessment of its properties, including shops and land, with the objective of enhancing property management and augmenting revenue streams.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a four-member committee will be formed to meticulously inspect the Trust’s assets, compile a detailed inventory, and present recommendations for their optimal utilization.
This significant decision was reached during a meeting attended by the newly appointed non-official members of the trust, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal.
Highlighting the profound historical, religious, and cultural importance of the nearly millennium-old temple complex, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to secure national recognition for its distinctive architectural heritage, rich history, and spiritual significance. He urged the trust members to collaborate closely to ensure the effective conservation, development, and management of the temple. Furthermore, he suggested exploring avenues for the preservation and improved administration of other ancient temples located in Chamba town and its surrounding areas, proposing that temples lacking their own management committees could potentially be brought under the purview of the Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple Trust.
“These temples are not merely the property of an individual trust or committee but represent the shared historical and cultural heritage of the entire district and the state. Public participation is equally important for their preservation and promotion,” the Deputy Commissioner stated.
During the deliberations, the newly inducted members put forth a range of suggestions pertaining to the temple’s development, beautification, ongoing maintenance, the expansion of religious activities, a comprehensive review of its shops, and the conservation of its historical structures. The Deputy Commissioner welcomed these proposals and advocated for their phased implementation.
The meeting also included a review of the income currently generated from the Trust’s shops, stores, landholdings, and other immovable assets. A particular focus was placed on improving the management of these properties to ensure enhanced revenue realization.
In addition to the infrastructure plans, it was decided that major development and construction works within the temple complex, with the exception of toilet facilities, would be executed under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This collaborative approach is intended to guarantee that any improvements made do not compromise the temple’s original architectural character and historical integrity. In a separate decision aimed at supporting temple staff, the monthly honorarium for the temple’s traditional musician, known as a Bajantari, was doubled from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. The charges for organizing community feasts, or ‘Dham’, and ‘bhandaras’ on the temple premises have also been revised, increasing from Rs 7,000 to Rs 11,000. The proceedings of the meeting were conducted by Chamba Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chirag Sharma.
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