A devotee offering a coconut outside the sanctum sanctorum. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

Guwahati, Jan. 31: For thousands of years, countless devotees have walked down the cobbled steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum of the Kamakhya temple to pay obeisance to the goddess. But from now on, pilgrims will not be allowed to break a coconut at the altar of the goddess or light incense sticks inside the main temple.

Threat to the structure of the temple due to vibrations, smoke and harmful chemicals — pointed out by the Archaeological Survey of India — have prompted the temple authorities to impose a “ban” on breaking of coconuts and lighting of incense sticks inside the sanctum sanctorum.

The present temple was built in 1565 AD by King Naranarayan on the ruins of the original, which was destroyed by the invading army of Kalapahar. On an average, over 3,000 people visit the temple every day on holidays while the number is between 2,000 and 2,500 on normal days.

Secretary of the Kamakhya Debutter Board Nabakanta Sharma told The Telegraph today that the “alternative arrangements have been made outside the main temple for lighting incense sticks and offering coconuts”. He said the decision was taken as a “precautionary measure” to nullify any threat to the structure.

The director-general of ASI, Kasturi Gupta Menon, had visited the temple last month along with officials from the Guwahati circle. Superintending archaeologist Syed Jamal Hasan said though the ASI is not officially involved in any project at Kamakhya, the suggestions were “readily accepted by the temple authorities”.

“Most of the damage to the ancient structure is caused by water and harmful chemicals. So we suggested that it would be better if incense sticks, sindur or alta and coconuts are kept out of the sanctum sanctorum,” Hasan added.

The decision to “ban” incense sticks inside the sanctum sanctorum was taken several years ago but was implemented only partially. “Over the years, the number of visitors has increased manifold. The smoke from the incense makes it increasingly uncomfortable inside the temple. Hence, we decided to allow devotees to light the sticks only outside,” Sharma added.

Shyam Sundar Thapa, who had come from Sikkim with his family to fulfil a childhood dream of offering prayers at Kamakhya, said, “It is immaterial where the incense sticks are lit or the coconuts offered as long as one has true faith.” Rajesh Barua of Guwahati, a regular visitor, echoed similar views saying, “as long as the faith is unwavering, such things do not matter”.

Sharma said several other steps have also been initiated in consonance with the ASI’s suggestions, which include a move to set up a temple museum. Also in the pipeline is a website on the temple, which will be inaugurated shortly.