Pays obeisance at Mata Sidhlakshmi Asthapan
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 18: Maintaining that his administration is committed to development of religious places and age old shrines in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today said that Kashmir has been a seat of learning from times immemorial.
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Addressing a function at Lokbhawan in South Kashmir district of Anantnag in connection with celebrations of annual festival of Mata Sidhlakshmi on the occasion of Haar Bhah (Ashad Shukla Paksha Dwadashi) today, the Lt Governor said from Vedic period the Kashmir has been a spiritual centre and tradition of solemnizing Hawans started here from that period.
Referring to Anantnag district in particular, he said here from one place to another place the ancient religious shrines and cultural monuments existed conveying the message of brotherhood , humanity and selfless service to society.
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He, while complimenting the people of Lokhhawan especially the Tirathraj Sidhlakshmi Peeth Trust for organising the function at Sidh Lakshmi Peeth Lokbhawan said that Kashmir is returning to pre nineties situation and people of different communities have started celebrating and participating in each others’ festivals which is a good sign. “Participation of Muslims and Hindus in the religious functions together is a good signal,” he added.
Sinha also called upon the people from all sections of the society to work together with the administration to preserve and protect the ancient shrines and places of religious importance.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Government to improve facilities for the pilgrims visiting for pilgrimage of different shrines in J&K.
Sinha regretted that Kashmir remained under the grip of turmoil for over three decades due to which no religious functions could take place in these ancient shrines and cultural monuments. But now things are moving fast to normalcy and the revival and development of the shrines and religious places has taken place with large number of people taking part from different communities in the religious functions.
The Lt Governor assured his administration’s full support and cooperation in reviving of all shrines and cultural monuments of Kashmiri Pandits as well as other communities which have suffered during the period of turmoil so that the pre nineties era returns to Valley.
He said “God willing the basic structure of all these shrines will be restored and people can participate and hold religious functions and programmes there as before.”
He said the Government is committed to safety and security as well as development of all religious places in Kashmir belonging to different communities and in this regard many steps have already been taken.
Sinha said that his administration is also working for retrieving of Sharda Peeth, an ancient shrine and centre of learning to revive the age old culture of Kashmir.
The Lt Governor who also participated in Hawan at the holy shrine of Mata Sidhlakshmi also paid obeisance to Goddess. He said the holy spring existing at this ancient shrine from Vedic period is of a great religious significance.
He said this time facilities during Mata Kheer Bhawani festival were also increased and the number of devotees visiting the holy shrine increased tremendously. He said likewise the number of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims also increased to a great extent this time as the facilities for the annual pilgrimage to holy cave were also bettered by the Government. He said in last 18 days of Yatra 3.5 lakh pilgrims visited holy cave.
The Lt Governor, while referring to recent directive and judgment of J&K High Court about shrines and temples, said all steps will be taken for their protection and security.
He also made a reference to Bhakti poet of Mattan Parmanand saying his poems were based on spirituality and devotion to God. He also recited one stanza of his Leela on the occasion.
Sinha, while making reference to great mystic poetess and great Shaviat Laleshwari, said she awakened the society and propagated spirituality among the masses.
On the occasion, the LG also prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K. DIG Anantnag, Javed Matoo, District Development Commissioner , Anantnag Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, SSP Anantnag, members of Terathraj Sidhlakshmi Peeth Trust and devotees in large numbers as well as political leaders were present.
Talking to reporters during the function, National Executive Member BJP and Seh Prabhari Kashmir, Rafiq Ahmed Wani said it is high time that Government should initiate steps for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to their motherland.
He said Kashmir is incomplete without Pandits and members of majority community will welcome them with open arms. He said Government should take all steps in restoring their land and property.
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