Srinagar, March 27, IPU Media Update News: A historic Hindu temple in the Kashmir Valley, which had remained closed for three and a half decades, has reopened its doors. The Raghunath Mandir, located in the Habba Kadal area of ​​Srinagar which was shut down due to terrorism was formally reopened on the auspicious occasion of Rama Navami. During the ceremonies marking this reopening after a long hiatus of 36 years, Kashmiri Pandits, local Muslims, residents, and officials from the police department participated, thereby exemplifying religious harmony.

Speaking on the occasion, Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo stated, We are celebrating Rama Navami here after many years.This was made possible through the cooperation of the civic administration, the police, local residents, and temple management, stated the Deputy Commissioner. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo expressed his delight that all the festivals celebrated this month including Navaratri, Navroz, and now Rama Navami were observed in a harmonious atmosphere.

** Background of Raghunath Temple – Restoration **

Maharaja Gulab Singh constructed this temple in 1857, modeled after the Raghunath Temple in Jammu. In the early 1990s, as terrorism surged in the Kashmir Valley and Kashmiri Pandits migrated en masse, this Raghunath Mandir along with many other temples was closed down. Having remained in a dilapidated state for several years, restoration work on the temple was undertaken in 2020 under the Smart City Project. The restoration work was successfully completed through the collaborative efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

** Locals Rejoice at the Reopening of Raghunath Temple **

Local residents particularly members of the Muslim community expressed their joy over the reopening of the Raghunath Temple. This temple is an integral part of our culture and heritage. We are delighted that it has reopened once again on the occasion of Rama Navami.I hope that our Kashmiri Pandit brethren, too, return to the Valley and live alongside us just as they did in the past, said Abdul Rashid (72), a resident of nearby Fatehkadal.

Speaking on the occasion, Temple Committee President Bharat Raina stated, These celebrations exemplify the spirit of brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims. We have been here for the past four days, and our Muslim brethren have stood by us. He expressed optimism that if the Raghunath Temple could be reopened after three decades, other shuttered temples could also be restored. He added that idols would be consecrated in the temple in the coming months, and felt that this appeared to be the opportune moment for Kashmiri Pandits to return to the Valley.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist