Lok Bhawan Tirth Kashmir | A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Sedh Lakshmi :

Lok Bhawan Tirth Kashmir | A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Sedh Lakshmi :

Synopsis : 

Lok Bhawan Tirth, also known as Tirth Raj Lok Bhawan, is a revered ancient pilgrimage center located in Anantnag, Kashmir in India. This sacred site is dedicated to Goddess Sedh Lakshmi and is nestled beneath a hill, showcasing a convergence of divinity and nature. The temple complex houses several significant structures, including the Mata Sedh Lakshmi temple, Waman Ganga spring, Saraswati Kund, and the shrine of deity Bhariava. It is nestled  on the Dooru-Verinag road, the village of Larkipora and its adjacent counterpart, Lok Bhavan, unfold a captivating tale of history, spirituality, and enduring legends. 

This charming village complex, situated  just 8 km south of Anantnag, Intrigued by its unique dichotomy, where a single revenue village is officially divided into two habitations, Lok Bhavan and Larkipora and as  one traverses the Dooru-Verinag road, Larkipora beckons travelers to explore the enigmatic Lok Bhavan, celebrated for its sparkling spring that gracefully descends from a surrounding hill. 

The Lok Bhavan Shrine, affectionately known as the ‘Sedh Laxmi Peeth,’ adds a spiritual touch to the landscape. It is perched atop the hill is the sacred Hindu site of ‘Mahakal Bhairav (Asht Bhairav) ,’ while to the north of the spring lies ‘Narayan Nag.' and this holy place is famous  is for the ancient pilgrimage known as the Lok Bhawan pilgrimage. 

Tirth Raj Lok Bhavan stands as one of Kashmir’s ancient pilgrimage centers, formerly known as Lok-Punya and later rechristened as Lok Bhavan. The temple complex, nestled beneath a hill, houses the Mata Sedh Lakshmi temple, Waman Ganga spring, Saraswati Kund, and the shrine of deity Bhairava, showcasing a convergence of divinity and nature. This pilgrimage encompasses a shrine, a small spring at an elevation, and a large spring, the Lok Bhawan Spring, which receives water from the elevated small holy spring situated at the foot of the hillock

The Lok Bhawan Spring is full  of water and  blessed  with sacred fishes and following  like a blanket, the water from this spring transforms into a stream as it exits from the shrine. Devotees engage in ceremonial bathing near this exit. The total land under this shrine spans 20 kanals, and adjacent areas 34 kanals and 19 Marla,hosting two springs across an area of 8 Kanal and 10 Marlas. The larger spring measures 60 feet in length and 54 feet in width, while the smaller spring is 40  feet long and 15 feet in width & delving into the historical fabric, Lokbhawan’s origin is traced back to the reign of the local ruler ‘Loknatha,’ once referred to as ‘Rudrabhawan’ and ‘Loka-Punya.’ 

History of Lok Bhawan Tirth : 

The chronicles of history, including ‘Kalhana’s Rajtarangni’ and M.A Stein’s translation, have rightly highlighted  Lokbhawan’s prominence and the significance of its Holy Spring. Legends also echo the foundation laid by Lalitaditya, marking Lok Bhavan as a hub for landlords called ‘Damras’ during the latter years of his rule. ‘Tuzki-Jahangiri’,  solidifies its historical imprint, indicating that the village’s inception appears to originate from ‘Sadura’ (currently an independent village) and stretches to ‘Shankarpur’ (now also a separate village).not is worth while to mention here that even now, significant remnants of ancient civilization are unearthed through excavation efforts in both these villages. 

The region was once densely populated to the extent that a goat managed to ascend a house in the southern end and descend in the northern part of the township. Adjacent to the Holy Spring’s upper side stands the remains of an ancient monument, locally known Rudrabhawan, featuring a cave beneath it. This cave, now nearly sealed due to sediment and mud from the higher areas, reveals depictions of Gods and Goddesses, indicating that it might have served as a sacred worship place for ancient kings.

It is pertinent to mention here that the village’s historical narrative takes us to the reign of Lalitaditya (7th-8th Century). A legend has said  that a humble, dumb Hindu woman named ‘Dayamal’ resided in Lok bhavan, earning her livelihood by delivering water to households. Facing a scarcity of drinking water, Dayamal’s devotion to duty was put to the test during heavy snowfall & encountering a ferocious lion on her path, Dayamal fearlessly pleaded to fulfill her promise to a deserving family. Miraculously, the lion closed its mouth and vanished into the darkness. A celestial voice then guided Dayamal to a specific location where a group of crows, led by a white one, would unearth a spring, relieving the township of its water woes and hardships.

It is also a belief  that Some trust that on that transformative day, Dayamal turned into a crow and soared with them and renowned saints  like Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali and Swami Mirza kak immortalize ‘Dayamal’ in verses, capturing the essence of her selfless service and spiritual journey. These poetic tributes amplify the cultural significance of Lok bhavan and its revered inhabitants. The name is commemorated in the well known shrukh of Sheikh Noor-ul-Din Noorani : 

Lokabhawana ‘na’ chi kaji

A kaji karan Siva

Saati jahnavaran tsaji

Tin var ditam deva : 

(Hail to the mute lade of Lok Bhawan, with dedication one and all she served, away she departed with the birds, Grant me, Lord, a boon as that.).

HARBAH MELA , ( A Holy  Festival) : 

The famous historical annual HARBAH festival  pilgrimage, celebrated with fervour and devotion, holds special significance for women who partake in a ritualistic bath in the twelve springs, seeking redemption from sins. The festival’s connection to the afterlife, where women are questioned about their participation in the pilgrimage, adds a spiritual dimension to Lok Bhawan’s cultural fabric. Harbah, observed on Ashad Shakul-paksh Dwadashi, becomes a testament to the enduring faith in Lok bhavan.       

It is worthwhile to mention here that despite  facing adversity, the Lok bhavan Shrine bore witness to destruction in February 1986, only to rise again through the reconstruction efforts led by the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shriman Jagmohan ji . The shrine’s resilience in the face of challenges speaks volumes about its cultural and religious importance.

Beyond the historical prominence of Lok bhavan, the village itself is a living heritage. It serves as a link between the past and the present, connecting locals with their ancestral roots. Lok Bhawan, once a flourishing town, has weathered the passage of time, undergoing transformations under the rule of local rulers and royal patronage. Today, the remnants of its illustrious past are visible in the ruins of old buildings and archaeological excavations, reminding visitors of the area’s former glory.

Conclude : 

The mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 marked a challenging period for Lok Bhawan Shrine  in terms of its  maintainance , renovation worship and watch & ward  but despite being  in exile far away from this village, it's Prabandak Committee with utmost dedication, hardwork and devotion continued to preserve the legacy of this shrine and left no stone unturned in restoring this holy Hindu shrine back to its prestine glory in 2007  by solminizing annual  festival of  Harbah after 17 years .

It is all because of the concerted and honest efforts of the committee, they have succeeded in establishing it's two branches viz; one in Jammu and other in New Delhi in order to keep the flame of faith and devotion alive as Lok Bhawan Tirth is a testament to Kashmir's rich culture, heritage and spirituality.

It is most important to mention here that in the end,  significant advancements  were made in the years of  2024-25, particularly with the monumental task of cleaning the main spring adjacent to the shrine—a feat that seemed impossible until accomplished. 

The over all credit and  heartfelt gratitude goes to  His Excellency, the Lt. Governor Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir  Shri Manoj Sinha Ji,  and also to  District Administration of Anantnag, especially to District Magistrate Anantnag, Dr. Sayeed Fakhruddin Hameed, (IAS) for their unwavering support and assistance in execution of  the development of the Lok Bhavan Shrine. & their sincere efforts have been instrumental in restoring this  cultural heritage and spiritual sanctity to new heights of glory with active coordination and facilitation of Mr. sanjay Koul, a social activist and a philanthropist who remains always  on forefront in such social and religious activities organized  in Kashmir valley.

You can also click on the link/direct check below to watch the beautiful vedeo of Lok Bhawan Tirth  👇

*VIDEO*

* ALSO FACEBOOK LINK

Lok Bhawan 

Courtesy from : 

Team Panaromicspots.

To Discover more such content , please visit our website,  link  given below : 

tinyurl.com/4byk4323