Kashmiri Hindus Return to Arde Nareshwar Temple After 21 Years for Murti Installation and Prayers

Srinagar: On October 5, the Arde Nareshwar Temple in Nadimarg village witnessed a historic moment as the Kashmiri Hindu community gathered for a special prayer ceremony to mark the installation of a new murti, following a 21-year wait. The event was not only a spiritual occasion but also a symbol of healing and unity, as the community reflected on their tragic past and expressed hopes for renewed peace and coexistence in the region.

The temple, which stood in ruins for over three decades, hosted its first puja since the devastating Nadimarg massacre in 2003, where 24 Kashmiri Hindus were killed by unknown gunmen. The massacre led to the exodus of Pandit families from the village, leaving a lasting impact on the community. The puja marked a significant step toward restoring both the temple and the sense of community that once flourished in Nadimarg. Despite the forced displacement, many Kashmiri Hindus maintained connections with their Muslim neighbors over the years. This enduring bond played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the temple, as the village sought to reclaim its spiritual and cultural roots.

 

#ArdeNareshwarTemple at NadiMarg reopens for Devotees After 2 decades at Pulwama #SouthKashmir Murti Pran Pratishtha Pooja held Har Har Mahadev pic.twitter.com/SPXttVQKGK

— Ashish Kohli ॐ???????? (@dograjournalist) October 5, 2024

The ceremony was a poignant reunion for many, as individuals who had been separated for decades reunited, sharing memories of the peaceful days before the conflict. "Meeting my old Kashmiri friends after 34 long years has brought tears to my eyes. The memories of our past have come flooding back," said one attendee, highlighting the emotional significance of the gathering.

Bhushan Lal Butt, a Kashmiri Hindu, voiced the community's collective hope for the return of their people to Nadimarg. He urged the government to create an environment that would support the homecoming of displaced families, saying, "Nadimarg’s soil awaits the return of its long-lost residents, hoping they will once again make the village their home, reigniting the bonds of friendship and shared history." The ceremony not only revived the temple’s spiritual importance but also rekindled a sense of belonging and hope for the future of the Kashmiri Hindu community in Nadimarg.

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