The Jammu and Kashmir authorities is taking important steps to protect the area’s wealthy non secular heritage by renovating key temples and pilgrimage websites. Within the first part of this bold undertaking, the federal government has allotted over ₹17 crore for the restoration of 17 temples and non secular locations in South Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts.
Among the many many temples set to profit from this initiative, a number of are deeply related to the cultural roots of Kashmiri Pandits. Notably, the Tirtharaj temple in Larkipora, also called Lok Bhavan, is about for renovation with an allocation of ₹3.21 crore. This temple, which was destroyed throughout the unrest in Kashmir, holds immense significance for the Kashmiri Pandit group.
Sanjay Kaul, President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Migrant (Kashmir Unit) Pandit Affiliation, emphasised the significance of Lok Bhawan, calling it “the pilgrimage of pilgrimages.” He defined, “That is the place the type of Sheshnag himself is Siddha Lakshmi. Mahakal Bhairav is right here. If there was a clue on earth, then it was right here.” He additional careworn the temple’s immense non secular significance for Kashmiri Pandits, referring to it as “the pilgrimage king.”
Along with Lok Bhawan, numerous different important non secular websites are being included within the renovation plan. Amongst them are the traditional Mamleshwar and Gauri Shankar temples in Pahalgam, the historic Shiv Bhagwati temple in Akingam, and the Paparan Nag temple in Salia. Moreover, the Mata Raganya Bhagwati temple in Kheeram and Kheer Bhawani temple in Logripora Ashmuqam in Anantnag may also bear restoration.
The well-known Karkut Nag temple in Salia, the Shri Shideshwar temples in Gufkral Tral, and Drangbal Pampore of Pulwama—all essential to the annual Amarnath Yatra—are additionally set for upgrades. These renovations are a part of the federal government’s broader effort to revive Kashmir’s wealthy religious heritage.
The renovation efforts might be overseen by the Jammu and Kashmir Archaeology Division, with native district administrations executing the tasks. Sanjay Kaul expressed gratitude to each the Central and State Governments for his or her efforts to protect Kashmiri heritage. “That is our heritage, and when it’s our heritage, we exist. We’re grateful to those that have taken steps to reserve it,” Kaul stated.
Although the present part consists of solely 17 temples, the federal government has ready a listing of 71 main non secular websites which can be to be restored. The full expenditure for these tasks is predicted to be ₹420 crore, funded by the Central Authorities.
Kaul added, “Proper now, solely 71 have been taken under consideration. The primary checklist consists of temples from three districts—Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar. The lists for different districts, like Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam, Kupwara, and Ganderbal, are anticipated to observe quickly.”
The restoration of those non secular websites is seen as a step towards revitalizing the cultural and non secular ties of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. Many Pandits, who had been pressured emigrate within the 1990s because of the battle, are hopeful that with the bettering state of affairs, they’ll someday return to Kashmir.
Kaul, who has been engaged on these restoration efforts since June, acknowledged, “Kashmir has a historical past. This isn’t the primary migration of Kashmiri Pandits. There have been solely 11 homes of Pandits right here as soon as, and they’re going to come again, with the blessings of Mata Rani.”
Apparently, the initiative has discovered help not solely from the Kashmiri Pandit group but in addition from native Muslims. Many members of the youthful Muslim technology in Kashmir are wanting to see the temples restored, as they’ve heard of the colourful festivals and non secular occasions that when befell there.
Hameem Ahmed, an area Muslim, expressed his help for the renovation efforts, saying, “It ought to occur as a result of we help the return of Pandits. These temples needs to be restored, and after they pray, we may also take part. We wish to see what used to occur earlier and what occurs now. This may strengthen the brotherhood between all communities.”
