For the first time since independence, a Navratri puja was held at the historic Sharda Devi Temple close to the Line of Control in Teetwal village in Kupawara district of Jammu and Kashmir. The celebration was held on the first day of Sharad Navratri and this historic event drew a significant number of pilgrims from across the country.
About Sharda Devi Temple
The ancient temple of Sharda is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and lies in ruins in the Neelam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Maa Sharda, often considered an incarnation of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. According to legend, the temple was originally built by the Pandavas during their period of exile. It is also believed that King Lalitaditya Muktapida, who governed the region during the 8th century, later undertook the renovation of the temple.
The Maa Sharda Devi Temple holds significant religious importance for Hindus, particularly within the Kashmiri Pandit community. Devotees from various parts of India visit the temple to seek blessings and offer their prayers to the Goddess. It is believed that it represents the spiritual location of the goddess Sati's fallen right hand.
'Signifies return of peace in the Valley'
In March this year, the temple was reopened at its original location, where it stood prior to the partition of the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah e-inaugurated the Mata Sharda Devi Temple.
Reacting to the historic event, the Home Minister said that Navratri Puja held this year at Kashmir’s historic Sharda Temple signifies the return of peace in the Valley, and marks the rekindling of the nation’s spiritual and cultural flame. Shah emphasised that the puja held for the first time after 1947 was a matter of profound spiritual significance for the entire country.
"It is a matter of profound spiritual significance that for the first time since 1947, the Navratri pujas have been held in the historic Sharda Temple in Kashmir this year. Earlier in the year the Chaitra Navratri Puja was observed and now the mantras of the Shardiya Navratri puja resound in the shrine. I was fortunate to reopen the temple on 23rd March 2023 after restoration," he said in a post on X.
"This not only signifies the return of peace in the valley but also marks the rekindling of our nation's spiritual and cultural flame under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji," he added.
Sharadiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri has started from the next day of Sarvapitri Amavasya i.e. 15 October 2023. This year, the festival will continue till October 24. Over the next nine days, devotees offer their prayers to Goddess Durga and observe fasts. The festival of Navratri honours the defeat of the demonic Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil.
The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. Ramlila is organised extensively during Navratri in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. During the Ramlila, the tale of Lord Ram's triumph over Ravana is acted out.
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