35-year battle ends with Shiv Lingam’s return to Jogishwari Mandir, Rainawari

In a significant moment for the Kashmiri Pandit community, a centuries-old Shiv Lingam, originally from the Bodh Mandir (Shiv Ji Mandir) in Kralyar, Rainawari, Srinagar, was reinstalled at the Jogishwari Mandir (Lokut Mandir) in the same locality on Tuesday. The sacred relic returns to a place of worship 35 years after it was desecrated and thrown into the Rainawari Canal during the early years of terrorism in Kashmir.
The Lingam was recovered by the police shortly after the desecration but remained in custody for over a decade. The Rainawari Kashmiri Pandit Action Committee (RKPAC), which has been at the forefront of efforts to restore desecrated temples in the area, secured its release following a recent order by the Special Magistrate, Srinagar.
B.L. Jalali, President of RKPAC, told Rising Kashmir that the Shiv Lingam was retrieved from the Rainawari Police Station and installed at the Jogishwari Mandir with the support of the Jogishwari Mandir Trust (JMT). A formal puja ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday morning, with all preparations finalized.
“After years of legal proceedings and dedicated community efforts, we finally took possession of the Shiv Lingam and completed its installation at Lokut Mandir,” said Jalali. He emphasized that the Lingam is not only an ancient artifact but also holds deep spiritual significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
As per the RKPAC, the Shiv Lingam is one of two sacred relics lost during the 1990s in the Rainawari area. While this Lingam has now been recovered and restored, the second — a Saptik Shiv Lingam from the Jogishwari Mandir — remains missing.
The Jogishwari Mandir Trust (JMT), a unit of RKPAC and the traditional custodian of the temple, collaborated closely in the installation of the Lingam. This joint effort reflects not only devotion but also a powerful message of community solidarity, resilience, and spiritual revival.
Both RKPAC and JMT have appealed to the administration to trace the missing Saptik Shiv Lingam, asserting that its recovery is vital for restoring the spiritual integrity of the historic temple complex.
Dr. Mahesh Kaul, President of the Jogishwari Mandir Trust, oversaw the installation and confirmed that the site is now open for devotees.
“After years of tireless efforts, the apex body of Rainawari Kashmiri Pandits (RKPAC ) has successfully retrieved this rare and ancient Shiv Lingam from police custody under the leadership of Shri B.L. Jalali, following directions from the Hon’ble High Court,” Dr. Kaul said.
He informed the Lingam, originally from Bodh Mandir in Kralyar, was revered for its spiritual and healing powers. “Known for miraculous interventions in the lives of devotees, it was tragically desecrated and discarded into the Rainawari Canal, which flows beside the temple. Though recovered by the police, it remained in custody for years.”
Dr. Kaul further said that the Lingam has now been sanctified through Pran Pratishtha and will be enshrined at the Jogishwari Mandir, Ghat Jogi Lanker, Rainawari. “The temple’s original Saptik Shiv Lingam remains missing, and this is a matter of grave concern for the entire community. We urge the authorities to facilitate its recovery and uphold the faith of the devotees.”
The Jogishwari Mandir is deeply rooted in the Natha Parampara and Trika Shaiv Darshan. The Jogishwari Mandir Trust, an official wing of RKPAC, has ensured that the installation was carried out with full devotion and religious sanctity.
Recently, a delegation from RKPAC and JMT met Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo in Jammu to seek government support for restoring the historical and spiritual status of Jogishwari Mandir. The temple has long served as a spiritual hub for saints and Jogis on their way to the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Jogishwari complex, which includes a Yatri Niwas and a shopping area meant to sustain temple activities, is currently in a dilapidated state due to prolonged neglect and the impact of ethno-religious conflict. The delegation expressed concern over its potential to be completely vandalized if restoration efforts are not initiated soon.
They also proposed the development of Jogishwari Mandir into a Cultural and Religious Heritage Centre, in keeping with its ancient legacy. In response, the Chief Secretary directed the Principal Secretary for Culture to expedite the planning process and prepare a comprehensive restoration blueprint.