Built during the time of Babar by the erstwhile rulers of the state of Hathnuar, the temple, which is about 400 feet from the ground, has caved in due to the continuous soil erosion.

The two protective foundations built by the temple management last year at a cost of Rs 5.5 lakh, with technical assistance from the Punjab Engineering College (PEC), were washed away last month, according to sources.

The temple has been facing the problem for the past three years. According to temple priest and member of management committee, Chander Mani, during last year's rains the community kitchen collapsed.

He added that officials of the state Flood Control Department assessed the temple's condition last month, saying that a 120-foot retaining wall would have to be constructed at a cost of Rs 60 lakh to save the structure.

About three years ago the construction of a retaining wall was started at the rear of the temple by the Flood Control Department, but was not completed.

According to a local resident Jatinder Sharma, the cause of the erosion is the sandy nature of the soil. Another reason is that sewerage water is being let out on the hill sides in the absence of proper disposal system. The temple sewer empties near the base of the building. However, Jatinder adds that the toilets, water tank and langar hall have been shifted to the rear of the temple.

He informed that as per a folk tale, the temple was built by a dacoit Garibdass, who was popular due to his `Robin Hood' image.

The Jayanti Devi Management Committee has been managing the affairs of the temple since 1937. Chander Mani blames the authorities for their indifferent attitude. He adds that they have also tried to approach the government for taking over the temple management but have not received any reply so far.

The local residents also blaim the temple management for its poor condition, demanding a trust to look into its affairs. They also fear that unchecked erosion will also damage the houses and shops in the temple's vicinity.

The road leading to the shrine is also not in good condition and the bus service is equally deplorable.