Sharda Peeth Temple, highly revered place :
The Sharda Temple in Teetwal, Kashmir, is a revered site steeped in history, spirituality, and cultural significance that is dedicate to Goddess Sharda, the deity of wisdom and learning, this temple holds immense religious relevance, attracting pilgrims and scholars alike.The latest architectural shape of this one of the 18 maha Shakti peeth was done during king lalitaditya rule
★It's Historical Significance :
The original Sharda Peeth, located in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), was a renowned center of learning and Hindu scholarship, dating back over 5,000 years. It was a hub for Vedic studies, philosophy, and arts, attracting students from across the world, including Greece, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia. The temple's construction is associated with King Jaloka, a Buddhist ruler of Kashmir.
★it's Religious Relevance :
Goddess Sharda is revered as the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom, making the temple a sacred pilgrimage site. It's one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, believed to be where Sati's right hand fell when Lord Shiva carried her body. The temple is significant in Hinduism, particularly for Kashmiri Pandits, who see it as a symbol of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Sharda Yatra temple, Teetwal, Kashmir is located on the pilgrimage route to Sharda Peeth PoK. From ancient times, an annual pilgrimage to the Sharda Peeth takes place on the ashtami (eighth day) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of Bhadrapada month of the lunar calendar. A holy mace (charri Mubarak) would be taken out from Teetwal to Sharda Peeth. This would be the official pilgrimage to Sharda peeth, out of the four traditional routes (Keran, Liddervan-Jumangarh, Gurez & Teetwal)
Sharda Peeth was once the center of learning of the Indian Subcontinent to which scholars flocked in reverence seeking scriptural and spiritual knowledge. Sharda script native to Kashmir is named after the Goddess Sharda (also invoked as the Goddess Saraswati), the goddess of learning and the main deity of the Sharda Peeth. One of the maha shakti peeths, Goddess Sati's right hand is believed to have landed here. The Sagar Manthana(nectar) was carried by Myna (Brown coloured bird called Haerr in local dialect here) in her beak and was finally placed here. Two drops of nectar were spilled at Kaloosa in Bandipora and Gagloosa in kupwara, forming natural shilas. After long penance, Rishi Shandiliya was bestowed with darshan of Sharda Mai near Tejuvan village in the vicinity of Sharda Peeth.
★The New Temple in Teetwal :
It is because of geopolitical tensions and the partition of India in 1947, the original temple became inaccessible and a new Sharda Peeth Temple was established in Teetwal, Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir, serving as a symbolic and functional replacement.
Yogiraj Swami Nand Lal Koul Ji, a Kashmiri saint was the last to sit and manage Sharda peeth (POK) and migrated to Tikker in Kupwara in December 1948 after partition & tribal raids. One can still find His wooden house out there in Shardi village in POK. The library records restored during King Zainulabdin Badshah, was finally looted & destroyed in 1947 tribal raids. A few books carried by Pujari Prakash swami Bhat of Batergam Kupwra was lost in 1990 due to forced exodus of kashmiri pandits, from Kashmir.
The new temple was consecrated on 05.06.2023 by HH vidhushekhra bharti shankracharya of Sringeri, karnataka. The temple has seen a surge in pilgrims, promoting spiritual tourism and local economic growth.
★ Features and Attractions :
The key features and attractions of this famous hindu temple are as follows :
*Location*:
Teetwal, Kupwara District, near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
*Architecture*:
It's architecture in traditional stylen is reflecting it's historical roots.
*Pilgrimage*:
This holy temple attracts devotees from across India and abroad.
*Cultural Significance*:
It symbolizes Kashmir's rich spiritual and intellectual heritage.
*Accessibility*:
It requires special permits due to sensitive location.
★Conclusion :
The Sharda Temple in Teetwal stands as a testament to faith, wisdom, and cultural resilience. Despite geopolitical challenges, it continues to inspire devotees and scholars, preserving ancient traditions and promoting spiritual growth. Its story underscores the enduring significance of Kashmir's spiritual heritage. The Sharda Temple in Teetwal, Kashmir, is currently managed by the *Save Sharda Committee Kashmir (SSCK)*, a registered organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the temple's heritage. The SSCK has been instrumental in constructing and maintaining the Sharda Temple and a nearby Sikh Gurdwara at Teetwal. It is important to note that vigorus efforts are underway to promote religious tourism and enhance local economic opportunities.
The committee has advocated for infrastructure development, including a proposed corridor similar to the Kartarpur Corridor for easier access to the original Sharda Peeth in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This committee headed by Sh. Ravinder Pandita is playing a key role over all its construction, upkeep, maintenance and development.
0 Comments