The district administration and police department are on high alert after receiving threats to blow up various religious sites in Punjab. Consequently, security arrangements at the historic and ancient Mukteshwar Dham, located in Dung village of Pathankot district, have been further strengthened. Following the mention of Mukteshwar Dham in a threatening letter, the police administration is continuously reviewing security measures and taking special steps to ensure the safety of devotees.
Providing details, DSP Dhar Kalan Rajesh Kakkar stated that security at Mukteshwar Dham has been upgraded with modern technology, including the installation of a door-frame metal detector (walk-through metal detector) at the temple’s main entrance. Every devotee entering the caves and the temple complex must now pass through this security screening process. The device is capable of instantly detecting weapons, knives, or other suspicious metallic objects carried by individuals. It will immediately alert security personnel via an alarm if any suspicious item is detected.
Additionally, police surveillance has been intensified across the temple complex, parking areas, and nearby sensitive locations. A Quick Response Team (QRT) has been deployed round-the-clock near the upper parking area to ensure immediate action in the event of an emergency. Security agencies are keeping a close watch on everyone entering or leaving the temple, and regular patrols are being conducted.
DSP Rajesh Kakkar emphasized that the security of religious sites is a top priority and no negligence will be tolerated. Devotees are urged to cooperate fully with security checks and to immediately report any suspicious person, object, or activity to the police or temple management, while also avoiding the creation of panic. Mukteshwar Dham: A Center of Faith and History.
Renowned for its natural beauty and religious significance, Mukteshwar Dham is considered one of the region’s most ancient religious heritage sites. According to popular belief, the Pandavas constructed the caves located here during their period of incognito exile (*Agyatvas*) in the Mahabharata era. This centuries-old pilgrimage site remains a major center of faith for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad. Grand fairs are organized here annually on occasions such as Mahashivratri, the Hindu New Year, and other religious festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees who come to seek the blessings and *darshan* (holy viewing) of Lord Shiva. This shrine is considered a defining landmark of the entire region from religious, historical, and tourism perspectives.
**Temple Committee Assures Full Cooperation to Administration**
Temple Committee members—including Chairman Bhim Singh, President Bhag Singh, Ankush Tanwal, Surendra Kumar, Purushottam Singh, Dilbag Singh, and Naresh Kumar—stated that the safety of devotees is paramount. They affirmed that the temple committee is extending its full cooperation regarding all security arrangements being implemented by the police administration. Committee officials remarked that, given the current circumstances, strengthening security measures is the need of the hour, and any step taken to ensure the safety of devotees is welcome. They expressed confidence that the joint efforts of the administration, police, and temple management would enable devotees visiting Mukteshwar Dham to offer their prayers in a secure environment. Meanwhile, the district administration has clarified that the situation regarding the security of religious sites is being constantly monitored and that there will be no laxity whatsoever in security arrangements.
