Open Sharda temple in PoJK for pilgrims: Pandita
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 14: A group of 50 bikers from Kalady, Kerala, the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, completed a historic journey to the Sharda Temple at Teetwal on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, North Kashmir. The rally, led by Dr. Ramanand, began on June 1 and covered approximately 3,600 kilometers across seven Indian states, culminating on June 12, the day of Varshik Abhishek.
At the temple, the riders performed puja and tarpan (religious rites) in memory of 26 tourists who were martyred in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistani terrorists. The rally featured 26 motorcycles symbolizing each martyr and included six female riders. The group was warmly received by Ravinder Pandita, Chairman of the Save Sharda Committee, along with Sringeri pujaris and local residents.
Pandita urged the authorities to reopen the Sharda Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) for pilgrims, proposing a corridor model similar to Kartarpur Sahib. He warned that if this request is denied, there may be a peaceful LoC march demanding access. Later, the rally participants met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar.
Adi Shankaracharya had historically visited Sharda Peeth, where an ancient university once thrived, highlighting the site’s spiritual significance.
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