Karnah, Aug 22 (JKNS): MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana on Saturday paid her maiden visit to the historic Sharda Temple at LoC Teetwal in Karnah, where she offered prayers and performed Puja at the newly constructed temple.
The temple, which stands as an important symbol of Kashmir’s shared cultural and civilisational heritage, was inaugurated in March 2023 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
During her visit, Devyani Rana was received at the temple by Ajaz Khan, Coordinator, and Mahaveer Thussu, Manager, along with Pujaris Kamal and Ritik Raina. She offered obeisance at the temple and took part in the religious rituals.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana appreciated the efforts of the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir in reclaiming and rebuilding the temple at the same site where the shrine had existed before Partition during the Maharaja’s era.
The original temple, she noted, was burnt during the turmoil surrounding Partition.
Rana said that the restoration of the Sharda Temple at Teetwal represents more than the reconstruction of a religious structure, describing it as an effort to preserve the historical and cultural legacy associated with the Sharda tradition of Kashmir.
She also emphasised the need to look beyond the restoration of the temple at Teetwal and work towards reopening Sharda Peeth, the ancient seat of learning located across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The MLA stressed that devotees should eventually be facilitated to undertake pilgrimage to Sharda Peeth through an appropriate corridor, subject to the necessary arrangements and permissions.
She acknowledged the longstanding efforts of Ravinder Pandita and the Save Sharda Committee, which has been advocating for the reopening of the traditional pilgrimage route for several decades.
The visit assumes significance as Teetwal has increasingly emerged as a prominent location associated with the restoration of Kashmir’s historical and religious heritage.
The Sharda Temple has also become a focal point for those seeking to reconnect the region’s communities with places and traditions that were separated following Partition.
Rana’s visit and her call for the reopening of the Sharda Peeth pilgrimage route have once again brought into focus the long-standing demand for greater access to the ancient shrine and the preservation of Kashmir’s composite cultural heritage.
The Save Sharda Committee has for years been pursuing the cause of restoration and revival of the Sharda tradition, including efforts aimed at facilitating pilgrimage to the historic Sharda Peeth.
The Teetwal temple is regarded as an important step in that broader effort.
The visit concluded with prayers at the shrine, with those present reiterating the importance of preserving the region’s ancient heritage and strengthening efforts for the revival of traditional pilgrimage links associated with Sharda Peeth. (JKNS)
