Gulmarg, Aug 11 : The Shri Mohineshwar Shivalaya Mandir, popularly known as Rani Mandir, was reopened to devotees on Monday after being restored from severe fire damage suffered last year on 05 June.
The reopening followed the completion of Pran Pratishtha rituals, bringing the historic shrine back to life in the heart of Gulmarg.
The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, was originally built in 1915 by the grandmother of Vikramaditya Singh, former member of J&K legislative council. In a tragic incident two years ago, a short circuit caused a massive fire that destroyed the building and its idols.
“After the fire, with the support of the LG’s office and the local administration, we received permission to rebuild the temple. Today, we are very happy to reopen this sacred place after the Pran Pratishtha,” Singh told reporters.
The new idols of Shiva, Parvati, and their family were specially crafted in Jaipur from white marble, a process that took around 6 to 9 months.
Singh also appreciated the efforts being made to restore religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the Prasad Scheme, under which funds are allocated for the revival of historic temples, mosques, and other religious institutions through the DC’s office and the Tourism Department.
Located in the scenic “bowl” of Gulmarg, Rani Mandir has been a significant centre for Sanatan Dharma for over a century and now welcomes devotees once again.(KNS)
