Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh: A shocking theft has left the local community reeling as unknown culprits dismantled and stole an ancient temple along with the idol of Maa Jagdamba from Turnath Dham in the tribal region of Sidhi district. The brazen act of vandalism has prompted widespread outrage and disbelief among residents.
The Turra Dham, located approximately 130 kilometers from Sidhi’s district headquarters, is home to a temple believed to be over 1,000 years old. Renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, the temple was hewn from a massive rock, with eyewitnesses estimating its weight to be over 10 tonnes. While some remnants of the structure remain, the temple itself has been virtually uprooted.
Local resident Dayaram Prajapati expressed his shock, stating, “I visited the temple just three days ago, and it was intact. But this morning, when I returned to pay my respects, I found the temple completely destroyed. A pit was dug at the site, and the idol is missing.”
Bhupesh Bais, in-charge of the Kusmi police station, suggested that the theft may not be recent. “This matter could be old, but it went unreported until today. The temple is located deep in the forest, making it less accessible and known to the public. We have alerted the forest department, and an investigation is underway.”
The incident raises significant concerns regarding the safety of historical and religious sites in remote areas, as the community grapples with the loss of their cultural heritage.