news details |
|
|
| Kashmiri Pandit Organizations welcome commencing renovation of ancient Vichar Nag Temple | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 19: 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. In this regard, the foundation stone laid formally 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 Convenor 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 recalled that on April 9 last year Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj (VKS) organised a function at the shrine in connection with celebration of Navreh the new year day of Kashmiri Pandits in which Haryana Governor , Bandaru Dattatreya was the chief guest. Highly impressed by improvement of the ground situation in the Valley, the Haryana Governor had assured the VKS representatives and community members on the occasion that he would take up the issue of renovation and restoration of this ancient shrine with Lt Governor, J&K, Manoj Sinha and Home Minister, Amit Shah.
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, famous shrine of Vicharnag in Nowshera Srinagar of Central Kashmir. He said Lt Governor; Manoj Sinha has brought this famous religious shrine under ambitious programme of restoration/conservation and development of famous shrines in 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. The same was communicated to Governor Haryana through Secretary to Haryana Governor vide letter No.LGS-1/GR/2024/4661 dated 8-10-2024 under subject: Development and restoration of Vichar Nag temple, Srinagar intimating that restoration project has been approved at the cost of Rs 401.34 lacs.
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 meantime demanded that the ancient temple should be rebuilt in its pristine glory and heritage, maintaining its original architecture and cultural significance. Modern construction is unacceptable to Kashmiri Pandits, as it would compromise the heritage and cultural value of the temple, betraying present and future generations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
