Here Is Why There Is A Hindu Shrine In Front Of The Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Site
As the rescue operations to evacuate the 41 construction workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi entered the 12th day on Friday, locals are confident that the men will be brought out safely.
That is because they believe a local deity whose wrath resulted in the tunnel collapse on November 12 has been appeased.
Why are prayers being offered to Baba Boukhnag?
In the past few days, a make-shift temple has been constructed in front of the Silkyara tunnel, and special prayers are being offered to Baba Boukhnag - a local deity, for the safe return of the 41 construction workers.
Many, including locals and rescue team members, were seen offering prayers at the temporary shrine of Baba Boukhnag.
What caused the tunnel collapse?
Ever since the under-construction tunnel, which was part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed due to a landslide on November 12, trapping the 41 men inside, locals have been blaming it on the wrath of Baba Boukhnag.
According to them, the construction company had demolished a temple dedicated to Baba Boukhnag close to the mouth of the tunnel a few days before the structure collapsed.
Who is Baba Boukhnag?
According to locals, Baba Boukhnag is considered the protector of the area.
"Before the project started, a small temple was built near the mouth of the tunnel and out of respect for local beliefs, officials and labourers used to enter the tunnel only after offering prayers. However, a few days ago, the construction company management removed the temple from there, and people believe that due to this, the accident happened," Dhanveer Chand Ramola, a resident of Silkyara village, told PTI.
Rakesh Nautiyal, another local, pointed out that a part of the tunnel had caved in earlier, too, but not a single worker got trapped, nor was there any other kind of loss because the temple still stood there.
"We had asked the construction company not to demolish the temple and, if they had to do so, to build another temple nearby. But the company rejected our suggestion saying it was our superstition and see what happened," he said.
Why a temporary shrine was built?
Ganesh Prasad Bijalwan, the priest of the Baba Boukhnag temple, said that he also believes that the construction company made a mistake by demolishing the shrine, which is why the accident occurred.
Last week, the construction company officials reportedly called the temple priest, apologised for their actions, and requested him to perform a special puja.
He performed the puja and prayed for the success of the operation to rescue the workers.
"Uttarakhand is the land of gods. There is a tradition of building a small temple for the local deity before building any bridge, road or tunnel. The work is completed only after taking their blessings," he said.
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