109-Year-Old Historic Shiva Temple in Gulmarg Succumbs To Devastating Fire
109-Year-Old Historic Shiva Temple in Gulmarg Succumbs To Devastating Fire
Temple priest Purshotam Sharma suggested that an electrical short circuit, worsened by strong winds, was likely to blame.
6 June 2024
SRINAGAR: A revered 109-year-old Shiva temple, deeply intertwined with Kashmir’s royal heritage, was destroyed in a fierce fire early morning on Wednesday in the tourist destination of Gulmarg, located 55 kilometres from Srinagar.
The Mohinishwar Shivalaya Shiv Mandir, also known as the Maharani Temple, was built in 1915 by Queen Mohini Bai Sisodia, the consort of the last Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh. This historic structure was perched on a hillock surrounded by picturesque meadows and was a prominent landmark in the area.
The fire erupted at approximately 3:50 AM, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and residents. Despite their efforts to extinguish the flames, the wooden and stone temple could not be salvaged. An official stated that the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, temple priest Purshotam Sharma suggested that an electrical short circuit, worsened by strong winds, was likely to blame. He also dismissed speculations about potential arson.
For over two decades, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, a local resident from Dandahmuh in Baramulla district, took on the responsibility of maintaining the temple after the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits amid separatist unrest. Affectionately known as “Panditji,” Sheikh was initially hired as a chowkidar by the Dharmarth Trust. Over time, he learned the sacred rituals and performed daily worship and aarti in the absence of a regular priest. Sheikh retired in 2021, passing on his duties to Purshotam Sharma, who has been serving as the temple priest since November 2023.
The Mohinishwar Shivalaya Shiv Mandir was renowned for its unique architectural design, featuring a distinctive pyramidal dome with windowed dormers. This feature made it visible from various points in Gulmarg, attracting both devotees and tourists. The temple held a special place in the hearts of the locals and was a significant part of the region’s cultural landscape. It was also immortalised in several Bollywood films, including the iconic song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from the movie “Aap Ki Kasam,” which starred Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. Other films that featured the temple include “Andaz” and “Kashmir Ki Kali.”
The Maharani Temple was not just a religious site but also a symbol of the Dogra dynasty’s historical and cultural influence in Jammu and Kashmir. Constructed during a time of significant political and social change, the temple served as a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the region. Its destruction is a loss for the community, stripping away a piece of their collective memory and identity.
The loss of the 109-year-old Mohinishwar Shivalaya Shiv Mandir is a tragic event, a significant blow to the historical and cultural fabric of Gulmarg and the broader Kashmir region. As investigations continue, the focus remains on honouring the temple’s legacy and exploring ways to commemorate its historical significance.
