KP organisations welcome restoration of historic Vichar Nag Temple

Srinagar, July 20: Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, Zaara Foundation and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community have warmly welcomed the beginning of restoration and rebuilding work at the historically revered Vicharnag Temple in Srinagar.According to a statement issued here, the foundation stone for the renovation was formally laid  by Chief Secretary Atal Dullu  and Akshay Labroo , Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. This restoration marks an important milestone in the preservation of Kashmir’s rich religious and cultural heritage, and the community looks forward to the completion of the project with great reverence.Kiran Wattal, convener of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj and Amit Raina of Zaara Foundation expressed their gratitude to the UT Government for taking this significant step to revive an important spiritual and cultural landmark.Wattal expressed heartfelt gratitude of LG Manoj Sinha for making earnest efforts to bring back glory of Vicharnag temple once a hub of religio-cultural activities, and the famous shrine of Vicharnag in Nowshera Srinagar of Central Kashmir.The Government has earmarked about Rs five crore for the development and conservation of this ancient shrine which has suffered a heavy damage due to over three-decade long turmoil in Kashmir. Wattal emphasized the importance of involving Kashmiri Pandit organizations and community engineers in the renovation process to ensure that valuable suggestions are incorporated to restore the temple’s pristine glory.The Vichar Nag temple is an ancient Shiva temple, estimated to be around 5100 years old, holding significant cultural and spiritual importance.The temple has historical significance, with records of its existence dating back to the time of Kalhan Pandit’s Rajtarangni.The temple is believed to be the site of the 4th Buddhist council and is a revered spot for Kashmiri Pandits ,said Wattal.Wattal meanwhile demanded that the ancient temple should be rebuilt in its pristine glory and heritage, maintaining its original architecture and cultural significance.