Centuries old Ban devta temple gutted in night fire in Rohru
Shimla/Rohru, Jan 22,
Centuries-old Ban Devta temple in Malkhoon village of Bashla Gram Panchayat, under Rohru subdivision in Shimla district, was completely gutted in a massive fire late on Tuesday night, giving a loss to the region’s religious and cultural heritage.
The blaze, which reportedly spread from a nearby forest fire, reduced the traditional wooden shrine which was renowned for its intricate carvings and historic significance—to ashes within hours. Residents said flames rapidly engulfed the structure, leaving villagers helpless despite desperate attempts to control the fire with limited resources. No loss of life was reported.
This ncident has once again heightened concerns over the growing fire risk in Himachal Pradesh amid a prolonged dry spell. Officials acknowledged that parched forests, grasslands and orchards have become increasingly vulnerable, with the danger now extending to wooden houses and heritage places of worship located close to forested areas.
For the local community, the destruction goes beyond material loss. Residents described the incident as a profound emotional shock, noting that temples long believed to be safeguarded by faith and tradition are now succumbing to environmental extremes.
Himachal Pradesh’s wooden temples are widely regarded as priceless examples of hill architecture, embodying generations of craftsmanship and local history. Their destruction, villagers said, rubs away a tangible link to the past that cannot be recreated.
Locals pointed out that fire-prevention systems are rarely installed in temples, as communities traditionally depend on divine protection. However, changing climate patterns and frequent forest fires, they argued, demand a rethinking of this approach—especially for shrines located near vulnerable forest zones.
The district administration and Forest Department have been informed and are expected to carry out a detailed on-site assessment. Meanwhile, villagers have urged authorities to take immediate preventive steps to safeguard other temples and heritage structures during the ongoing dry conditions.
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