PAMPORE, Feb 06: The Kashmiri Pandit community from Pampore Tehsil today commenced the Prarambhik Puja at the historic Sedeshwar Temple in Pampore, marking a significant step towards the revival of this revered Hindu heritage site.
A large gathering of devotees participated in the ceremony, reaffirming the temple’s spiritual and cultural importance.
The Sedeshwar Temple holds deep historical and religious significance. This ancient Shiv temple is a crucial Padav (resting point) for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, located along their sacred journey after the Pavitar TChhadi Mubarak departs from the Akhada Building in Srinagar. The temple is also associated with Yogini Laleshwari, a revered Kashmiri mystic Yogini who took her Sanyas (renunciation) here under the guidance of her Guru, Sedmol (Srikanth). It was at this holy site that she received the Shiv Amrit Vani, which transformed her into a spiritual icon. Her poetic “Vakhs” continue to inspire generations in devotion to Lord Shiva.
Recognizing the temple’s immense cultural and religious value, as well as Pampore’s potential as a religious tourism heritage site, the Union Territory Government has allocated funds for the renovation of the Sedeshwar Temple, Drangbal Pampore, and the Shiv Temple, Drangbal Pampore. Additionally, the Department of Archives has revived this long-pending project, endorsed community demands, and assured further funding in Phase III to construct the main temple structure and restore the sanctum sanctorum, which was unfortunately overlooked in the previous DPR (Detailed Project Report).
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UT Government, especially KK Sidha (Director of Archives), the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama,MLA Pampore, Tehsildar Pampore, the R&B Department, and all those supporting this initiative. We also deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Kashmiri Pandits worldwide, our community members in exile, and those residing in the valley.
A special acknowledgment goes to the Sedeshwar Temple Committee, Pampore, for their tireless efforts in making this dream a reality.
With the moral support of the local majority community, we are optimistic that the renovation will be completed before the end of the financial year.
Prominent community leader Ravi Ji Bhat, General Secretary of Swami Jeewan Sahib (Dhoni Sahib) Mandir Prabandhak Trust, Ladhoo Pampore, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the spiritual and historical significance of the Sedeshwar Temple. He spoke passionately about Shaivism, the teachings of Yogini Laleshwari, and the need to preserve this site as a center for research on her philosophy of Shiva. He also urged the government to allocate funds for the construction of a dedicated Laleshwari Peeth, a long-cherished aspiration of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Daya Krishan Bhat, a Kar Sevak of the Sedeshwar Temple Committee, Pampore, highlighted the temple’s immense historical and spiritual significance. He reaffirmed the community’s unwavering commitment to preserving this sacred heritage site.
The Prarambhik Puja was attended by several distinguished members of the Sedeshwar Temple Committee, including Shakti Wangoo, Rahul Koul, Ritik Bhat, Nisheeta Bhat, Divya Bhat, and many other devotees. The ceremony was conducted with collective prayers for peace, prosperity, and harmony.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Ravi Ji Bhat expressed hope that the time has come for those in exile to return to the valley with dignity and honor.
The Kashmiri Pandit community, along with dedicated Kar Sevaks, remains committed to completing this restoration project in the shortest possible time, ensuring that the Sedeshwar Temple continues to serve as a beacon of faith and history for generations to come.
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