Karnah, June 28 (JKNS): Chairman of the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (Regd), Ravinder Pandita, on Sunday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar and extended a formal invitation to attend the upcoming Varshik Abhishek and Sharda Divas celebrations at the historic Sharda Temple near the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal, Kupwara.
Ravinder Pandita was accompanied by the Committee’s Coordinator, Ajaz Khan, during the meeting. The delegation discussed preparations for the annual religious events dedicated to the revered Sharda Temple, which have become an important symbol of Kashmir’s shared cultural and spiritual heritage.
During the meeting, Ravinder Pandita invited the Lieutenant Governor to grace the annual Sharda Divas function scheduled to be held in September this year. The Lieutenant Governor accepted the invitation in principle and expressed his willingness to participate in the event, appreciating the significance of preserving the region’s ancient religious and cultural traditions.
The delegation also raised several issues concerning facilities for pilgrims visiting the Sharda Temple. The Lieutenant Governor agreed to facilitate transit accommodation for Sharda Yatris at the Amarnath Yatri Bhawan at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. The proposal for establishing a permanent Yatri Niwas on evacuee land at Teetwal on a lease basis for the Save Sharda Committee was also discussed in detail.
In addition, the installation of a solar lighting system for both the Sharda Temple and the nearby Gurudwara at Teetwal came up for discussion, with the aim of improving infrastructure and providing better facilities for pilgrims and tourists visiting the border area.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, Ravinder Pandita presented the Lieutenant Governor with a traditional Sharda shawl, a portrait of the historic Sharda Temple at LoC Teetwal, and holy Prashad.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha appreciated the efforts of Ravinder Pandita, Ajaz Khan and the local residents for their dedicated work in reclaiming and preserving Kashmir’s lost heritage. He observed that these initiatives have significantly contributed to promoting border tourism and religious tourism in the Karnah-Teetwal region while strengthening awareness about the historical and spiritual importance of the ancient Sharda civilization.
The Save Sharda Committee has been actively working towards the conservation of the historic Sharda Temple and facilitating pilgrimage to the sacred site, besides promoting the rich cultural legacy associated with Sharda Peeth. (JKNS)
