Locals start restoration of 5000-yr-old Sharda Mata Temple in Kupwara’s Gugloosa

Srinagar, July 2: The local Pandit community of Gugloosa village located in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir has started restoration of ancient Sharda Mata Temple, which is believed to be 5000 years old, as a means of promoting communal harmony and conserving their cultural heritage. The ancient temple, which holds immense religious and cultural significance, had been neglected. However, the locals themselves made the decision to restore the sacred site.Locals told Rising Kashmir, that the repair process started a few months ago and that they have already finished the first phase of restoration, such as building the temple wall, completely on their own initiative and resources.”Until now, we have already spent more than ₹6 lakh on the restoration. We self-funded and self-executed,” said a community member, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the effort.The initiative has not escaped the attention of their Muslim village neighbors. Locals came forward and thanked the Muslim community for having protected the temple all these years. “It was the local Kashmiri Muslims who took care of the temple and saw that nothing was stolen or broken. This is the real Kashmiriyat and our common brotherhood,” said one resident.Dr. Rakesh Thusoo, one of the people working on the restoration, said the revival of the temple has been divided into three stages. “The first phase has been accomplished. We are working to complete at least two stages before snowfall sets in,” he informed.Although the movement has come under appreciation, the people expressed concern regarding the absence of encouragement from government authorities. Yet, they recognized a recent positive move Kupwara Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan has taken cognizance of the restoration.Addressing reporters during her visit, DC Kupwara Ayushi Sudan stated, “The locals and the Pandit community here have collaborated a lot, particularly to renovate a very revered site. They have done some restoration on their own, which is greatly appreciable.”She confirmed that the administration shall now liaise with the concerned Department to proceed with the restoration under the Heritage Project. “There is a lot of activity at religious places in Kupwara, including Shiv Mandir, Muqam Shah Wali, and other shrines. Slowly, these projects symbolizing our heritage will be conserved,” she declared.She added that public involvement will remain an important factor in the conservation of heritage sites. “Hopefully, we will be able to take this vibrant community forward.”Restoration of the Sharda Mata Temple is a strong testimony to community-conserved heritage and interfaith harmony in the Kashmir Valley.