Srinagar, Sep 19 (KNO): A sacred crown of Sharda Mata, brought from Sharda Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Kupwara in 1948, has been reinstalled at the Kheer Bhawani shrine in Tikker after 37 years.
Shrine committee, per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the sacred Mukut was brought to the Indian side in 1948 by the efforts of last saint associated with Sharda Peeth, Swami Nand Lal Maharaj, along with pujari Swami Prakash.
The committee said the sacred object remained preserved at Tikker and was later moved to safe custody in late 1989, when the security situation in Kashmir had deteriorated.
After nearly four decades, the shrine management decided to bring it back and reinstall it at the Kheer Bhawani shrine, citing what it described as a more conducive environment for devotees.
They attributed the return of the Mukut to the peaceful and improving situation in the Valley. They said the role of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was equally important in preserving and reviving the region’s shared heritage.
“Today we feel the situation has become conducive for bringing the Mukut back and reinstalling it here. People have an important role in maintaining peace and preserving our heritage,” the Shrine President said.
The management and devotees also expressed gratitude to the administration for supporting and facilitating the occasion.
They offered prayers for peace, harmony and continued normalcy in Kashmir.
For devotees at Tikker, the reinstallation of the sacred Mukut after 37 years marks the revival of a tradition that remained in safe custody during a difficult period in Kashmir’s history—(KNO)