Awaiting Government Grant for the Development of Someswar Temple

Kakatpur, 30/03/2025 (Tushar Dixit): The Someswar Temple, spread over approximately 5 acres and one of the prominent shrines among the Ashta Shambhus, is awaiting government assistance for its development. Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, no substantial government grants have been received for its upliftment. Located just one kilometer from Kakatpur Bazaar and on the left side of the Kakatpur-Astaranga road, this ancient Shaiva shrine has remained neglected, which has sparked discussions and concern across the region.

While the state government has taken commendable steps in beautifying and developing several old temples and monasteries across the state, the lack of attention to the Someswar Temple raises questions among the local populace. Notably, despite some progress through the efforts of the priests and the servitor committee of the nearby famous Mangala Temple (just a kilometer away), government support has been conspicuously absent.

Traditionally, devotees collect water from the nearby Parvati Sagar — a sacred pond spanning nearly three acres — to perform rituals like Nirbandh, Rudrabhishek, and Jalabhishek at the temple. There are beliefs that people suffering from chronic skin diseases get cured after bathing in the pond and seeking blessings from Lord Someswar. Childless women also reportedly gain the blessing of motherhood after bathing in the pond and offering prayers to Goddess Parvati. Devotees also immerse themselves in the pond, performing rituals to receive the Lord’s divine grace.

However, the current state of the pond is disheartening. It has become a dumping ground filled with garbage and weeds. Encroachments have occurred — some have built homes, while others have connected drainage pipes from their houses to dump waste directly into the sacred pond. There is no water left in the pond, and there are no sanitation or related facilities in place.

Although a petition had been submitted to the Chief Minister’s grievance cell for the restoration of the Someswar Temple, only a few high-ranking officials visited and left without any follow-up action. The plans to restore the pond, build surrounding walls, and develop a park have remained unfulfilled dreams. Still, devotees remain hopeful that the government will eventually step in to restore the temple.

Ironically, while visitors to the Mangala Temple nearby are drawn to the well-developed premises including Maa Ukulei Temple, Peer Jahania Shrine, Ganga Devi Estuary, eco-retreat facilities, and the scenic beauty of the sea and crabs at Nali Kankada, the Someswar Temple on the same route remains neglected. This oversight has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Kakatpur residents.

Now, the entire community, along with the servitor committee, awaits the moment when the government will return Lord Someswar’s land to its rightful sacred use and initiate beautification and redevelopment efforts. The people of Kakatpur are patiently and hopefully looking forward to a positive step from the state.