Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday e-inaugurated the Mata Sharda Devi Temple near the Line of Control in Karnah sector of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that peace is being established in Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory is once again returning to the old civilization and traditions after the abrogation of Article 370.
The prayers reverberated at the holy Maa Sharda Devi Temple along the line of control in the Teetwal area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday after 75 years, and hundreds of people, including local Muslims, took part.
The Union Home Minister, on the occasion, said, Sharda Peeth has been a historical centre of India’s cultural, religious and educational heritage.Shah said the architecture and construction of the temple have been done according to mythological scriptures under the aegis of Sharda Peeth. The idol of Sharda Maa was donated by the Sringeri Math on January 24 and has been installed here, he added.
“Modi government will move in the direction of opening Sharda Peeth for devotees like Kartarpur Corridor. The Kashmir and Jammu are once again returning to their old traditions, civilisation and Ganga-JamuniTehzeeb due to the establishment of peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 following the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” In line with the commitment to social and economic transformation, Shah said, the Modi government has taken initiatives in all areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the revival of culture.
“The Centre abrogated Article 370 and 35(A) from the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019. Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the same day.Shah mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is renovating many temples and faith centres for the revival of the culture in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Under this, systematic restoration and repair work is going on at 123 identified places, which include many temples and Sufi places, Shah said 35 places are being renovated at a cost of Rs 65 crore in the first phase. He said that 31 mega-cultural programs have also been organized by identifying the places of 75 religious and Sufi saints. “A total of 20 cultural festivals have also been organized here in every district which will help a lot in reviving our old heritage.
“The reconstruction of Maa Sharda’s temple in Kupwara is a necessary and important step in the direction of discovery of Sharda-civilisation and promotion of Sharda-script. Once upon a time, Sharda Peeth was considered the centre of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent, scholars from all over the country used to come here in search of scriptures and spiritual knowledge. Sharda script is the original script of our Kashmir, which has been named after Maa Sharda,” he said.
The Union Home Minister lauded the efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for implementing the schemes initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi- led Central government.
He also thanked Manoj Sinha for putting efforts into bringing several industrial investments in Jammu and Kashmir that have contributed in the valley’s economic development.
Shah said that today’s beginning will help in bringing back the lost glory of this place and with the blessing of MataShardha’s place wil remain the centre of worship and continue to awaken the consciousness of India for ages.
Meanwhile, District Administration Kupwara arranged live streaming of the event to facilitate the devotees to view live address of Home Minister, Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and Member Parliament, TajesviSuriya.
BJP State President, Ravinder Raina was present at the event.
The Brigade Commander 104 Infantry Brigade, Tangdar, N K Dhas; Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Dr.Doifode Sagar Dattatray; SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas; ADC Kupwara, Ghulam Nabi Bhat; SDM Karnah, Dr Gulzar Ahmad Rather, officers and functionaries from District Administration Kupwara/ Tehsil administration Karnah were present at the occasion, besides other dignitaries and a large number of devotees.
On the occasion the Convenor, Save Sharda Committee Kashmir, Ravinder Pandita and other members of the committee including Surinder Mirza appreciated the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Dr.Doifode Sagar Dattatray in making the event successful.
The sharda temple located on the Kishan Ganga at the frontier town was abandoned since independence and was in complete ruins; however, after the hectic efforts of the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (SSCK), who worked tirelessly for renovation of the temple.
