Revival, preservation project for 3 religious heritage structures in Baramulla gains pace
Baramulla, Feb 13: The Baramulla district is likely to witness religious tourism boost with the approval of the works under scheme ‘Revival, Restoration, Preservation and Maintenance of Architecture and Heritage’ with the help of which three important projects in the Baramulla town will be developed as part of efforts of providing impetus to religious tourism.
In this connection, a detailed project report of Shrine of Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) at Khanpora, Mata Shailputri Astapan temple at Khanpora and Gurdwara Chattipadshai Baramulla has been submitted to the Directorate of Archives and Archeology, officials said. The Department of R&B Baramulla in connection with the project has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 1123.86 lakh, which has been submitted to the Department of Archives and Archeology for further action.
“For the Shailputri temple we have prepared a detailed Project Report of Rs 396.34 lakh, while for the Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi, DPR of Rs 308.38 lakh has been prepared, similarly for the Janbaz wali (RA) shrine a DPR of Rs 419.14 lakhs has been prepared and sent to the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla,” said Sanjiv Kumar, Superintending Engineer, R&B division Baramulla.
According to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Shirpa, the DPR has been prepared and has been forwarded to the department of Archives and Archeology for further action.
“The revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of these revered sights is part of the promotion of religious tourism. The work on these projects will be carried out by the department of culture Jammu and Kashmir and will be a big boost for the local tourism,” said Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla.
Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi (also known as Chhatti Patshahi) of Baramulla is situated on the banks of Jhelum in the historic town of Baramulla. The Gurdwara was constructed at this site to commemorate the visit of the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in 1620.
The Shailputri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, the embodiment of divine femininity and the consort of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the goddess is worshipped as the daughter of the Himalayas, symbolising purity, strength, and resilience. Devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Shailputri, praying for health, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) hailed from Isfahan, the former capital of Iran, born in the year 735 A.H (1329 A.D) as Syed Mohammad Rufaee. He was the great-grandson of Syed Ahmad Rufaee of Isfahan, the nephew of the famous Saint Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), popularly known as Dastagir Sahib by both Muslims and Hindus.
Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) relocated to the western side of Baramulla town, settling on the bank of the River Jehlum, where he established a new village known as Khanpora, meaning a place of food in Persian. This was due to the fact that thousands of people were served daily in his langar khana (community kitchen).
The local residents are upbeat over the development. The development of these religious sites was a long-pending demand of people of different faiths of Kashmir.
Besides, its promotion is likely to see the Baramulla district on the map of religious tourism. “Indeed the initiation of these projects was a big demand of people of Baramulla district,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident. “With the influx of visitors at these religious sites, it will surely boost the local economy which in turn will prove a huge benefit for the local residents,” added Ahmad.
