Blaze in the Night: A devastating fire broke out at the historic Maharani Temple in Gulmarg around 3:45 AM on June 5. Despite quick efforts by local firefighters and police, the wooden structure was completely consumed by the flames, leaving only ashes behind.
Significant Cultural Site: The temple, located on a hill, was not just a place of worship but also a popular tourist spot. It was famously featured in the Bollywood movie "Aap Ki Kasam," where the song 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' was filmed.
source: canva
Historical Background
- Temple's Origins: Known originally as Mohineshwar Shivalaya or Rani Temple, it was built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh. Managed by the former royal family and the Dharmarth Trust, the temple held great historical and religious importance.
- Restoration Efforts: In 2021, the Indian Army, along with local communities, undertook restoration work to revive the temple. They not only renovated the temple structure but also redesigned the pathways leading to it, making it more accessible to devotees.
The Aftermath
- Community's Loss: The caretaker of the temple expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the temple's importance to the community. Despite the destruction, there is hope and determination within the community to rebuild the temple.
- Investigations Underway: Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
