Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh joined devotees in offering 'kar sewa' (voluntarily labour) for cleaning up of the sacred sarovar at the historic Durgiana Temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, here on Monday.

It is the third 'kar sewa' to clean the sarovar after 1975 and 1999. Thousands of devotees from around the world are expected to offer 'kar sewa'.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum and announced a Rs 1 crore grant for its development. He also assured to look into the management's demand for additional land for expansion of the temple complex.

Expressing concern over attempts by some to destroy the peace in the state, the Chief Minister said his government would not allow such divisive forces to be nurtured, and would continue to work towards universal brotherhood and tolerance.

Built in 1925 to resemble Amritsar's Golden Temple, the Durgiana Temple complex includes smaller temples devoted to Goddess Durga, Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman.

The foundation of the shrine was laid by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1921 with funds raised by Guru Harsai Mal Kapoor.

--IANS

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