Shiv Mandir renovated by Indian Army, open for public
An old Shiv Mandir at Gulmarg in Kashmir has been renovated by Indian Army and is now open for public.
The ancient Shiv Temple was built by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia w/o erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh in 1915. The temple has been featured in Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz's hit song "Jai Jai Shiv Shankar", movie "Aap ki kasam".
The temple has been opened for public on Tuesday. An official of Indian Army said, "The Army batallion at Gulmarg, with the help of locals repaired the structure of the Shiv temple, Gulmarg. The landscape and pathways leading to the temple were also redesigned and rebuilt". "The Indian Army has always maintained a close connect with the awaam (people) and took it as an opportunity to contribute to the plural heritage of Kashmir", he added.
The ceremony of reopening was jointly conducted by Army Commander, Imam of Jamia Masjid in Gulmarg, Sikh priest of Gurudwara, and a Christian priest.
The caretaker of the temple, Ghulam Mohammed, taking care of it for more than 30 years, said "It is a testimony to the pluralistic culture of Kashmir and its proud heritage. Gulmarg community will continue doing community service without any religious prejudice and in the true essence of Kashmiriyat".
