Amid relentless rainfall, the nearly 300-year-old Baba Baijjunath Temple in Baswari village of the Dhanghata area, Sant Kabir Nagar district, collapsed on Sunday after its structure reportedly weakened due to days of continuous rain.
According to local residents, cracks began appearing in the temple walls around noon. Within a short span, the centuries-old structure gave way and came crashing down. Fortunately, no devotees were inside the temple at the time, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
The temple had recently come into the spotlight following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit on June 25, when he offered prayers at the shrine. Before addressing a public gathering for the Dhanghata and Khajani Assembly constituencies, the Chief Minister acknowledged the temple's historical and religious importance and directed officials to take the necessary steps for its conservation and to promote it as a tourism destination.
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The sudden collapse has shocked and saddened residents, many of whom have called for the immediate reconstruction of the temple and the preservation of its historical legacy.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Baba Baijjunath Temple, also known as Baba Baijnath Dham or Baba Baijjunath Mandir, was one of the region's most revered shrines. Believed to have stood for nearly three centuries, the temple served as a major spiritual centre for devotees from Sant Kabir Nagar and neighbouring districts. It hosted daily worship and witnessed large gatherings during festivals such as Mahashivratri and the holy month of Shravan, making it an integral part of the region's cultural and religious heritage.