Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya visited an ancient Shiva temple in Srinagar’s old city, historically a hub of militancy, to partake in a special puja celebrating Navreh, the Kashmiri New Year.
Highlights of the Visit:
- Governor Dattatreya emphasized Kashmir’s significant contribution to the development of the Sanatana Dharma knowledge system and spiritual consciousness.
- He released a commemorative calendar marking 5,100 years of the ‘Saptarishi system’.
- Assured commitment to renovating and restoring the temples of Kashmir.
Obeisance at Kheer Bhawani Temple:
Later, the Governor paid homage at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal.
Message from J&K Lieutenant Governor:
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a telephonic message at the Vachar Nag temple, praising the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in combating terrorism. He also dedicated a book by Amit Raina on the subject.
Community Response:
Kiran Wattal, convenor of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, expressed gratitude towards L-G Sinha for the revival of Sanatana in Kashmir.
Historical Context:
The Vachar Nag temple, once vibrant, fell silent in the 1990s as Pandits left the Valley due to escalating militancy.
Response from Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti:
Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of exploiting the pain of Kashmiri Pandits for electoral gains, alleging the use of Pandits as a vote bank. She attributed the exodus of Pandits who remained in the Valley post-1990s to the administration changes initiated by the BJP-led Union government.
Perspective on Pandit Return:
Mufti emphasized that Pandits should return to Kashmir without political manipulation and expressed Kashmiri people’s desire for their peaceful resettlement in the Valley.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who visited the ancient Shiva temple in Srinagar’s old city?
- A) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor
- B) Haryana Governor
- C) Former J&K Chief Minister
- D) Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj Convenor
- What occasion was being celebrated during the visit to the Shiva temple?
- A) Diwali
- B) Navreh
- C) Holi
- D) Eid
- What did Governor Dattatreya release during the visit?
- A) A new law
- B) A commemorative calendar
- C) A religious scripture
- D) A scientific report
- Which temple did the Governor pay obeisance to later?
- A) Amarnath Temple
- B) Kheer Bhawani Temple
- C) Vaishno Devi Temple
- D) Golden Temple
- Who expressed gratitude towards L-G Sinha for the revival of Sanatana in Kashmir?
- A) Kiran Wattal
- B) Amit Raina
- C) Mehbooba Mufti
- D) Bandaru Dattatreya