Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, Zaara Foundation, and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community have warmly welcomed the commencement of restoration and rebuilding work at the historically revered Vichar Nag Temple in Srinagar. The foundation stone was formally laid by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Akshay Labroo.
This restoration marks a significant milestone in the preservation of Kashmir’s rich religious and cultural heritage. 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 important step toward reviving a key spiritual and cultural landmark.
Wattal recalled that on April 9 last year, the Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj (VKS) had organized a function at the shrine to celebrate Navreh, the New Year day of Kashmiri Pandits.
“Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya was the chief guest on the occasion. Impressed by the improving ground situation in the Valley, the Governor had assured VKS representatives and community members that he would take up the issue of the temple’s renovation and restoration with the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” he told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Wattal expressed heartfelt gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha for making sincere efforts to restore the glory of Vichar Nag Temple, once a vibrant hub of religious and cultural activity in Nowshera, Srinagar. He said that the Lieutenant Governor has included the shrine in an ambitious programme aimed at the restoration, conservation, and development of prominent shrines in Kashmir.
“The Government has earmarked approximately Rs 5 crore for the development and conservation of this ancient shrine, which suffered extensive damage during over three decades of turmoil in the Valley. This was communicated to the Haryana Governor via a letter from his Secretary (Letter No. LGS-1/GR/2024/4661 dated 08-10-2024) under the subject: Development and Restoration of Vichar Nag Temple, Srinagar, confirming that the restoration project has been approved at a cost of Rs 401.34 lakhs,” he said.
Wattal called the importance of involving Kashmiri Pandit organizations and community engineers in the renovation process to ensure that their valuable suggestions are incorporated in order to restore the temple to its original grandeur.
The Vichar Nag Temple is an ancient Shiva shrine, estimated to be over 5100 years old, and holds immense cultural and spiritual importance.
Historical records, including Kalhan Pandit’s Rajtarangini, mention the temple. It is also believed to have been the site of the 4th Buddhist Council and is a sacred place for Kashmiri Pandits.
Wattal reiterated the community’s demand that the temple be rebuilt in its pristine glory, preserving its original architecture and cultural essence.
He stated that any modern construction would be unacceptable to the Kashmiri Pandit community, as it would compromise the heritage and betray both present and future generations. (KINS)
