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After 34 years, Srinagar’s Sheetalnath Temple rings again
The Sheetalnath Temple in Srinagar has opened again after many years.
Its bells had been silent for about 34 years.
The temple was damaged by fires during years of violence.
It has now been repaired and given modern facilities.
A senior Jammu and Kashmir official opened the restored shrine.
Kashmiri Pandits see the temple as an important part of their history and community life.
People used to gather there for prayers, festivals and social events.
The reopening brought back memories and renewed hopes of reconnecting with home.
The historic Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple in Srinagar has been renovated after 34 years.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated the restored temple under the Smart City Srinagar Heritage Revival Scheme.
Officials said the temple is revered as one of the eight Bhairavas believed to protect Srinagar.
The shrine was damaged by fire during the years of militancy, though accounts differ on whether the first fire occurred in 1991 or 1992.
For Kashmiri Pandits, the temple’s reopening revives religious traditions, community memories and hopes of returning home.
- Who
- Kashmiri Pandits, devotees, local residents and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo were involved in the reopening.
- What
- The historic Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple was restored and reopened after decades of silence.
- Where
- Sheetalnath Temple, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- When
- The renovation was undertaken in 2023 and completed after 34 years; the temple had also reopened for worship on February 22, 2022.
- Why
- The restoration aimed to preserve a significant religious and cultural heritage site and revive community worship.
Key facts
- Temple
- Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple
- Location
- Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Restoration scheme
- Smart City Srinagar Heritage Revival Scheme
- Renovation timeline
- Srinagar Smart City Limited undertook renovation and upgrading in 2023.
- Religious significance
- The temple is regarded as one of the Ashta Bhairavas, or eight manifestations of Bhairav believed to protect Srinagar.
- Historical damage
- The temple and its havan-shala were damaged by fire during the militancy period; accounts cited 1991, and separately 1992 and 1993.
- Community role
- The site hosted worship, Janmashtami and Basant Panchami events, as well as social and cultural gatherings.
Quotes
Atal Dulloo
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary who inaugurated the renovated temple
“The Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple is centuries old. It is believed to be one of the ‘Ashta Bhairavas’, the eight manifestations of Bhairav entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the city.”
wionews.com
Ravinder Anasdhan
Local resident who traveled from Delhi to attend the reopening event
“I am a native of this very area. When the era of militancy began in 1992, this temple was set on fire for the first time.”
wionews.com
Sources
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