J&K: Diwali celebrated in Sharda Devi Temple at Teetwal for first time since Independence along LoC; WATCH HERE-

Kupwara, Oct 26: In a huge positive deveoplment, hundreds of diyas (earthen lamps) lit the Teetwal hamlet in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday. Notably, Diwali was celebrated for the first time at the Mata Sharda Devi temple being reconstructed in the area on the Line of Control (LoC).

 

The ancient temple and its centre are being rebuilt with a view to revive centuries-old pilgrimage to Sharda Peeth temple in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

 

 

Sharada Peeth i.e. the seat of Sharada, is the Kashmiri name for goddess Saraswati. Sharada Peeth was one of the foremost ancient universities of the Indian subcontinent. It is an abandoned temple located in Sharda village along the Neelum River, which was a major centre of learning. It is regarded as one of the 18 highly revered temples across south Asia. Teetwal is situated in Kupwara and the Sharda Peeth is situated barely 40 kilometers from this village.

 

 

 

After first time since partition, candles and diyas lighting marked Diwali celebrations at the Sharda yatra temple, being reconstructed in Teetwal. A large number of locals along with Army jawans lit earthen lamps, candles and distributed sweets to celebrate Diwali on Monday, Save Sharda Committee president Ravinder Pandita said.

 

The Save Sharda Committee has taken the lead of reconstruction of the temple and a Sikh gurdwara after reclaiming the same last year, he said.