J&K Chief Secy participates in Pratishthan Divas celebrations at Uma Bhagwati shrine in Anantnag
Srinagar, July 21
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday visited the Mata Uma Bhagwati shrine at Umanagri, Shangus, in Anantnag district to participate in the celebrations of the Murti Pratishthan Divas, being observed with religious fervour through a two-day Yagyna and other spiritual programmes organised by the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust.
The Chief Secretary, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, paid obeisance at the shrine and sought the blessings of the deity for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also participated in the 'Kalash Puja' and the sacred rituals performed as part of the Murti Pratishthan celebrations.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, along with senior officers of the district administration and a large gathering of devotees and members of the Trust, was also present on the occasion.
Referring to the ongoing heritage conservation initiatives at the shrine, the Chief Secretary said that the government remains committed to safeguarding such places of immense historical and spiritual importance.
He added that the project being undertaken for the shrine would be incorporated with additional works required for improving facilities and preserving the sanctity of the shrine in a holistic manner.
On this occasion, the Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust expressed its gratitude to the Chief Secretary for sparing time to participate in the celebrations and for his assurance of continued support towards the preservation and development of the historic shrine.
The Trust also placed on record its appreciation for the proactive role played by the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, in ensuring effective coordination among all concerned departments for making comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the religious function.
The shrine is an ancient Hindu temple in Anantnag, featuring five natural springs. It reopened in July 2024 after a 34-year closure. The temple holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Kashmiri Pandits are quietly reclaiming their ancestral shrines across the Valley, focusing on rebuilding and restoration rather than immediate resettlement. This grassroots revival -- funded by the diaspora and managed by local employees -- is bringing life back to forgotten sites and reconnecting the community to its heritage.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is wonderful news! The Kashmiri Pandit community has been quietly working to reclaim their heritage, and it's inspiring to see the grassroots revival funded by the diaspora. But I wish more people knew about these efforts instead of only focusing on political narratives. Jai Mata Di! 🌺
I'm from Canada and have always been fascinated by the cultural diversity of India. Reading about the reopening of this ancient temple after 34 years is truly remarkable. The fact that Kashmiri Pandits are focusing on rebuilding and restoration rather than immediate resettlement shows incredible patience and devotion. This is a beautiful story of cultural resilience.
While I appreciate the government's involvement in heritage conservation, I hope this isn't just a photo-op. The real test will be whether the administration continues to provide security and infrastructure for these shrines in the long term. The five natural springs at Uma Bhagwati sound truly unique -- Kashmir's spiritual geography is unmatched. Let's hope the development is done sensitively.
This is so touching. The Kashmiri Pandit diaspora funding the restoration of their ancestral shrines from abroad, while local employees manage the day-to-day work -- it shows how heritage can transcend borders. I hope this leads to more interfaith harmony in the Valley. The temple reopening after 34 years must have been an emotional moment for many families. ❤️
Great initiative! But we shouldn't forget that many Kashmiri Pandits are still living as refugees in their own country. Restoration of temples is important, but what about their right to return and live safely? The article says they're focusing on 'rebuilding rather than
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.