Communal harmony exhibited in Bandipora

Sumbal, Apr 6: In an example of much-celebrated communal harmony in Kashmir, Muslims helped Pandits install a new Shivling at the Maharaja Nand Keshwar Temple in the Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday.

Speaking at the site, Ashok Kumar Bhat (Sumbli), vice president of the temple trust and Kashmiri Pandit who led the ceremony, said the event marked a moment of significance for the community. “Today marks the conclusion of Navratra — our nine sacred nights — and we have laid the foundation for the Shivling. After many years, this place has seen devotion again,” he said. Kumar credited individuals who supported in installing the deity. "Jehangir Ahmad, our former municipal chairman, helped lay the foundation of the Shivling with his own hands,” he said. He also credited other members of his community for guidance. Kumar also expressed gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, SDM Sumbal and executive engineer R&B Sumbal for heeding to their request of temple’s renovation.

He said the official teams visited the temple and that the "DPR will be sent to the Deputy Commissioner office within a few days." Speaking on the occasion, Jehangir Ahmad said that along with "Kashmiri Pandit brothers who came here today, we laid the Shivling together.” He added, “Our brotherhood will live forever. Just like we lived together before, we continue to live side by side today.” The Maharaja Nand Keshwar Temple, though historically significant, remains largely inactive through the year due to the absence of a local Pandit population.

“It is on special occasions like these the temple comes alive," Kumar told Greater Kashmir, "And the biggest among them is Navratra," he added. Notably, the temple, according to Kumar, is looked after by a Muslim caretaker Khurshid Ahamd Khanday. Kumar said, "Puja or Praan Archana," installing life into deity, is also scheduled at the temple on May 27, which he said was brought from Narmada river in West Bengal. He said many devotees are expected to attend even from migrant camps in Baramulla, Odina, Wandhama, and other sites. “We will offer Navid or Prasad on May 27,” Kumar said. “It will be a sacred gathering — the first of its kind here in 36 years," Kumar informed.