Keri (Goa), November 29, 2012: Continued apathy on the part of the directorate of archaeology and archives has led to negligence of the Jain temple at Cudnem, 3km away from Sanquelim.
At a recent visit to the temple, Nirmalkumar Jain Sethi, national president of the Jain Mahasabha and other members of the Jain community were left disappointed at the rundown condition of the structure. “This temple is an example of pre-Portuguese architecture and needs to be protected. The Jain Mahasabha is ready to provide necessary financial assistance and other guidance for its protection and conservation,” Sethi said.
The temple, which boasts a sabhamandapa (hall for audience) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctuary), was first brought to light by the directorate of archives, archaeology and museum in 1986. Efforts were made to conserve the structure but in the last three years the government has failed to pay the monument any attention. There is evidence in the vicinity to suggest that the temple and sculptures inside it were deliberately destroyed by invaders in the 17th century AD. It temple was constructed of laterite and lime mortar was used as the binding material. The architecture of the temple has indicated that it belonged to the Vijaynagar period.
Chandrakant Bhojepatil from Ponda said, “The directorate of archaeology and archives should initiate steps for conserve the temple. The Jain community is ready to help in any way possible.”
Kapoor Chand Jain Patni, chief editor of the Jain Gazette weekly from Guwahati said, “The temple of Cudnem is in a dilapidated condition and its entrance is blocked by grass and undergrowth. It needs to be cleared at the earliest.”
“The process of tendering the work of all 51 protected monuments in Goa is under way. Debris clearance and minor repair work of the Jain temple will be done,” said director of archives and archaeology Manohar Dicholkar. -News Courtesy: Times of India