Beautify Purmandal temple complex

Sir,

The Shiv Lingam rests beneath the water while Nagdevta, the associate of the Shiva is visible above the surface of the water is the unique characteristic of the Shiva temple of Purmandal village, the history of which dates back to the rule of Hindu Maharajas in Jammu. The uniqueness and splendour of the temple lies in the fact that the water level of the spiring of about two feet diameter in which the Lord Shiva is submerging taking Samadhi remains in tact even with or without pouring of additional water offered by devotees as a mark of prayer.

Unfortunately the temple complex and surroundings have not been developed to the level it should impress the visitors. The old sarai which had been taken up for repairs and use of pilgrims by the State Tourism Department has been lying incomplete since long. Similarly, the sanitary block and bathing blocks which had been constructed long ago by some government agency have not been completed and lying up operational. The Sarai constructed by Dharmarth Department should remain open with the provision of a receptionist to provide historical literature of the temple and guidance as well. Besides the stairs of the Sarai have been broken, as a result, it is not possible to step into the Sarai. Block Development Agency had also constructed a residential complex for yatris but it has not been completed and lying un operational.

The distance between the Bus Stand and the Purmandal temple complex is about half km long which passes through Devika stream and during rainy season it is difficult to walk on the bed of the stream. Wooden bridges across the Devika stream should to constructed to overcome the difficulties of the devotees. Besides, the environment around the temple complex needs to be given face lift to beautify so as to attract the pilgrim tourists. The condition of the road and buses plying on the route is very bad. RTC or JKTDC should operate their own buses in good condition for the convenience of the devotees. Such places of religious nature and historical background also deserve all the possible media type in national newspapers for promotion of pilgrim tourism.

The concerned District Development Commissioner under whose jurisdiction this famous temple lies is also requested to pay off and on visit to the temple to ensure early completion of the long pending works initiated by Government agencies for the facilities of yatris.

Yours etc...
Ved Kesar
49-D, New Rehari,
Jammu

Integration of moral values

Sir,

The article "Integrate Moral Values in the System" by O P Sharma is certainly a need of the society. He has well stressed upon the need for integration of moral and spiritual values in the system while expressing concern about the falling moral standards and values in the society. He has rightly said that the need of these moral values is much more now than ever before. It's a common knowledge and feeling amongst all that the moral values in the society have gone down and this trend is almost on with impunity. Various social evils currently afflicting the society have their genesis in the falling moral standards in the system as well as the society. And we all almost on a daily basis observe this unwarranted and obnoxious trend more particularly through the print as well as the electronic media carrying news items/stories concerning afflictions in our society and system.

Also rightly said that the religious spriptures/books have played their vital part from time to time to restore and maintain moral high standards in the society. India which is known for its rich culture and heritage and always feel proud in contributing to world peace through the messengers of peace in the shape of countless peers and saints who spent lives to uphold moral values and purge the society of the ills afflicting it from time to time.

As the over-all personality and behavior of the persons depends to a lot extent on how he spent his formative years that is childhood, schooling and colleging, thereby the formative years in any one's life are most important and warrant special attention. Since Charity begins at home to parents are the first Guru's and thereafter the teachers and professors at school and college are responsible for shaping the lives of the students known as the future builders of the nation. Therefore this brings out one thing that the specially designed mode charter of lessons for moral education is need of the hour as correctly and appropriately stated in the article by the writer. The print and electronic media too have a significant role to play in this regard considering their wide and large range of coverage. Hope the invaluable suggestions given by the writer be given due consideration by all concerned quarter's. Only by upholding moral and spiritual values, we could hope for a better society and system obtaining in the country.

Yours etc...
Ravi Sharma
Shakti Nagar,
Jammu