Kashmiri Pandits offer special prayers at temple on the occasion of Ram Navami
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar : After a gap of 36 years, the historic Raghunath Temple reopened in Srinagar, where devotees offered special prayers amid widespread celebrations of Ram Navami across Kashmir.
The reopening of the centuries-old temple in Habba Kadal marked a significant and emotional moment for devotees, as prayers were held at the temple for the first time since the early 1990s.
The move is being seen as a significant moment for the Kashmiri Pandit community and a symbol of cultural revival in the Valley.
Devotees gathered in large numbers at the shrine to offer prayers and perform rituals, many describing the occasion as deeply emotional and historic.
Ansula Raina, a devotee from Jammu told Kashmir Horizon that it is a moment they had only hoped for us. Seeing prayers resume here after decades fills us with a sense of belonging and faith, she said.
Ansula said the reopening transcends religious significance. “It is not just about worship. It is about reconnecting with our roots and history. Today feels like a new beginning,” she added.
Another devotee, Seerita Koul this is not just the reopening of a temple, it is the reopening of our memories, our faith and our connection with this land. We waited for this day for decades,” she said.
“Our parents spoke about this temple, but we never imagined we would actually witness prayers here. It feels like history has come alive again,” Koul added.
A local shopkeeper in Habba Kadal said the occasion reflected Kashmir’s shared cultural ethos. “Such moments remind us of our traditions of coexistence and mutual respect. This is part of our identity,” he said.
Officials said the peaceful celebrations and the reopening of the historic temple together send a strong message of normalcy, restoration and communal harmony in the region.
Believed to have been constructed in the 19th century during the reign of Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh and later completed under Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the temple had remained shut and fallen into disrepair following the untoward situation during the 1990s.
Recent restoration efforts have revived the structure while preserving its original architectural character.
Amid tight security, the procession was carried from Tankipora (Kathleshwar Temple) in the old city, passed through Habba Kadal, Barbarshah, and Lal Chowk, and culminated back at Tankipora.
Later devotees gather at the renovated Raghunath Mandir, Habba Kadal, and held special prayers for peace and prosperity in the region.
Officials associated with the renovation said the restoration was carried out with a focus on maintaining the heritage value of the shrine while making it functional for worshippers once again.
Meanwhile, Shobha Yatras were taken out in Srinagar and several districts, including Anantnag, Baramulla, and Kupwara.
The processions, marked by devotional chants and religious flags, passed peacefully through designated routes under tight security arrangements.
Authorities had put in place elaborate security and logistical measures to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations across the Valley.
Eyewitnesses said the participation was enthusiastic, with devotees turning up in large numbers. Notably, members of other communities were also seen assisting in facilitating the events.
