Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Historic Srinagar Sheetalnath Temple Reopens After 34 Years
The Sheetalnath Temple in Srinagar has opened again after many years.
Its bells had been quiet for about 34 years.
The temple was damaged by fires during a period of violence and many Kashmiri Pandits left the area.
Workers repaired the temple and added modern facilities.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo officially opened the restored shrine.
The temple is important to Hindus and is connected to the Kashmiri Pandit community.
People once gathered there for prayers, festivals and community events.
Worship resumed at the site in 2022, before the latest restoration was completed.
Many devotees hope the reopening helps them reconnect with their history and home.
The centuries-old Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple in Srinagar has been restored and reopened after about 34 years.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo inaugurated the renovated temple under the Srinagar Smart City initiative.
The shrine is regarded as one of the Ashta Bhairavas, believed to protect the city of Srinagar.
The temple and its havan-shala were damaged by fires during the militancy period; accounts cite 1991, or 1992 and 1993.
For Kashmiri Pandits, the reopening revives worship, cultural traditions, childhood memories and hopes of reconnecting with home.
- Who
- Kashmiri Pandits, devotees, local residents and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo.
- What
- The restored Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple was formally reopened after about 34 years.
- When
- The formal reopening took place on a Wednesday; worship had resumed at the temple on February 22, 2022, and renovation work was undertaken in 2023.
- Where
- Sheetalnath Temple, in the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The restoration was intended to preserve a historic religious and cultural heritage site and restore access for devotees.
- Temple
- Sheetalnath Ji Bhairav Temple, also known as Sheetal Nath
- Location
- Habba Kadal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Restoration
- Completed under the Srinagar Smart City initiative and Heritage Revival Scheme
- Renovation timeline
- Some repairs began in 2011; 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 differ between 1991 and fires in 1992 and 1993
- Community role
- The site hosted worship, Janmashtami and Basant Panchami celebrations, and social and cultural gatherings
