Shiv Sena (UBT) demands renovation of temples associated with Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 23: A team of Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders led by party state chief Manish Sahni visited Pahalgam to assess the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Yatra. The delegation was “deeply disturbed” to find the condition of the ancient Mamleshwar and Ganeshbal temples in a state of disrepair.
In a statement issued here, Sahni expressed concern over the pathetic condition of these revered Hindu temples. “The Shri Ganesh Temple at Ganeshbal, also known as the ‘Pehla darshan’ of the Shri Amarnath Yatra, has been reduced to just a signboard and some Holy red stones,” he said. “This temple was damaged in the 2014 floods in Kashmir, but despite the passage of ten years, it remains unreconstructed, causing hurt to the religious sentiments of Hindus.”
Manish said, “According to mythology, Goddess Maa Parvati bathed at the waterfall in the courtyard of the ancient Mamleshwar temple and asked Lord Ganesha to guard the entrance. The story goes that Ganesha’s refusal to let Parvati enter led to his beheading by Lord Shiva, which was later reversed at Parvati’s request. It is believed that there are still traces of Shri Ganesha’s blood on the revered stones.”
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said these temples hold great importance for both Hindus and tourists as a symbol of faith. “We urge for the immediate reconstruction of these revered places associated with the Amarnath Yatra and having significant religious importance for Hindus,” he demanded.