Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah Kupwara:In a remarkable event that marked a significant revival of tradition, the first Navratra Puja of Sharad Navratri was celebrated at the newly built Sharda Temple located at the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal, Kashmir. This momentous occasion brought together a large number of pilgrims from various parts of the country and held immense historical significance, as it had been 75 years since similar celebrations were last observed at this sacred site, following the partition of India in 1947.
The spiritual fervor and excitement were palpable as devotees gathered to pay their respects at the Sharda Temple, which holds deep cultural and religious significance. Swami Govindananda Saraswati of Hampi, Karnataka, embarked on a rath yatra, leading his followers to the holy site. The journey symbolized the sacred connection between Kishkinda, the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and the newly revived Sharda Temple.
Notably, some Kashmiri Pandit pilgrims also graced the occasion, including the renowned theatre personality, A K Raina, who gained recognition for his role in the acclaimed movie “Kashmir Files.”
Reflecting on this historic moment, one pilgrim expressed their sentiments, “It was yet again a historical moment to perform Navratri puja at Sharda Temple along the LoC, the first time after partition. The temple and Gurudwara that once stood here were tragically destroyed during the tribal raids of 1947. However, a new temple and gurudwara have been constructed on the same piece of land, following the same traditional pattern. The inauguration of these sacred sites took place on 23rd March of this year, a momentous event graced by the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” said Ravinder Pandita, the Head and Founder of the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir, an organization committed to preserving and revitalizing the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
The revival of Navratra celebrations at the Sharda Temple, LoC Teetwal, serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring cultural and religious traditions that have stood the test of time. It rekindles the spirit of unity, devotion, and heritage that transcends borders and barriers, bringing people together to celebrate their shared history and beliefs.
