Govt to bring Ordinance for protection of temples in Valley

The Government has decided to bring an Ordinance for Constitution of Board for management and protection of Hindu Shrines and Temples in Kashmir Valley.

This assurance was given by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah during the meeting of Apex Committee on Migrants here today.

The meeting among others was attended by Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla, MoS Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Finance, Iqbal Khandey, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, B A Runyal, Divisional Commissioner, Dr Pawan Kotwal and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, R K Pandita.

Official sources told Jk News that the Chief Minister announced in the Apex Committee meeting that an ordinance regarding the formation of Board for protection and management of Hindu shrines in the Valley will be brought in the next Cabinet meeting.

Omar also agreed to give two years age relaxation to those youth who had applied for job under PM's package in 2008 as the package was implemented in 2010. It was decided that the children born after migration will be taken for Kashmir darshan.

He also agreed in principle the demand regarding enhancement of cash relief and compensation for construction of houses in Valley. He informed the meeting that the issue has already been taken up with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister, P Chidambaram.

It was also decided that all other Apex level Committee that the members, who abstains from two consecutive meetings will be dismissed from the Apex Committee.

The CM told the Apex Committee that he would himself chair two meetings of the Committee in a year, one each in Jammu and Srinagar, to review the progress and implementation of the decisions taken by the Committee headed by Raman Bhalla.

The meeting lasted four hours and all the issues concerning the displaced people were discussed. The meeting was told that there will be no coercion in return of the migrants and no decision will be taken in haste in view of the past experience, which resulted in Vandhhama and Nadimarg incidents. Out of total 38 Apex Committee members 24 were present while 14 abstained.

The other issues raised by the Apex Committee members included construction of shopping complex at Jagti township for those traders of the community who had their small business establishments in erstwhile camps.

Bhalla described the meeting very fruitful and healthy. He also criticized those Apex Committee members, who boycotted the meeting.

The prominent among the Apex Committee members who attended the meeting included Vijay Bakaya, MLC, Khem Lata Wakhloo, H N Jatu, M L Kaul, Hira Lal Pandita, Sanjay Saraf, R K Bhat, Roshan Lal Raina, Bansi Lal Kaul, M K Yogi, Anil Dhar, Jatin Bhat, Din Mohammed Cheeta, Ashok Hangloo and A K Rajpuri.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha representatives including its president Prof A N Sadhu and vice president K K Khosa who are the members of Apex Committee also boycotted its meeting today in protest against the failure of Government to solve the burning issues of displaced Pandits.

A statement issued here by K P Sabha said the community leadership has been pressing hard for the enhancement of cash relief, passage of Shrines and Temples Bill, sincere and timely implementation of PM's package and adequate facilities at the Jagti township. But there has been no encouraging response from the Government, it added.

The statement said in the wake of high market inflation, the meager cash relief is grossly inadequate to enable the displaced families to make both ends meet. Lack of resources adversely affected the education of their children, caused malnutrition and resulted into poor health, threatening the poor growth of young ones. The suffering people are at dharna for last 24 days and the Government is not bothered about this and no attention has been paid so far, it added.

The statement said in spite of repeated pleading, meetings with ministers and Legislators, the Temples and Shrines Bill has not been passed so far resulting into desecration and encroachment of these places. Further, 6000 posts assured in PM's package have not been filled so far and the development work at Jagti township has been put on hold. Under these circumstances attending the meeting of Apex Committee by KP's representatives will be meaningless, the statement added.

The statement said let the Government seriously address to the prime concerns of the community so that the Apex Committee meeting can be held in a meaningful way.

It said for today's meeting no agenda had been circulated and it only showed the casual approach of the Government towards holding such meetings.

It may be recalled that ASKPC chief A N Vaishnavi its general secretary, HL Chatta, Camp leader P L Raina and JKVM senior leader, Dr R L Bhat had also boycotted the meeting. Besides AIKS chief Moti Kaul could not attend the meeting due to his pre-occupation while Congress leader Ashok Bhan also chose to stay away from it. APMCCC president Vinod Pandit had already submitted his resignation from Apex Committee for its non performance.

Jammu and kashmir 31272 cr outstanding debt

Media ends Boycott

Shrines Temples Bill

PNBMT’s appeal to legislators on passage of Shrines, Temples Bill

Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) in a meeting here today appealed the legislators of all the parties to support their demand and move the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Protection and Management Bill and get it passed in the current session of State Legislature.

It has also appealed to the Government to bring an official bill in the budget session and also pass the same, since leaders of all the parties have assured the community of their support to the bill.

The KP community has been demanding since long time the constitution of statutory body to protect, maintain and manage their religious places in Kashmir, on the pattern of Auqaf Board for the Muslim religious property and Gurduwara Prabandak Board and Committees for the protection and management of Sikh Gurdawaras. The passage of the bill will be a biggest confidence building measure for the migrated KP community to return to the valley and settle there, with a sense of security and dignity, it was observed in the meeting.

The Trust which has been assigned the responsibility by all the KP organizations as a nodal agency for spearheading the movement for introduction and passage of the bill in the State legislature, has with the consultation of all other organizations of the community, chalked out the program to hold mass dharna on Monday March 12, outside Jammu Press Club, to highlight their concern for the protection of their religious places in Kashmir.

The religious places of Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir are being vandalized, encroached uponand sold by some unscrupulous elements, after the forced mass exodus ofthe community from Kashmir 22 years back.

Tribute to Bhagat Singh

Heavy rain in kashmir valley

J&K Panchayat Polls

Largest Temple to come up in Bihar

Bihar would soon have the world’s largest Hindu temple to be built on the lines of Combodia’s Angkor Wat, that currently holds the feat.

The Bihar Mahavir Mandir Trust (BMMT) today said "they will build a bigger temple in Bihar’s Vaishali district than the 12th century Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia."

To be built at a cost of ` 100 crores, the five-storied and 222-feet tall temple will come up at a sprawling campus spread over 15 acres at a place near Ismailpur village on Hajipur-Bidupur road, which will be christened as Angkor Nagar, BMMT’s secretary and ex-IPS officer, Acharya Kishore Kunal said.

Land worth around ` 30 crore has already been acquired for the purpose from locals, he said.

The proposed temple will be named ‘Virat Angkor Wat Ram Mandir’ and will house the statues of Lord Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesh, Surya, Vishnu, along with the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

"It will take up to five years to construct the temple and another five years to give finishing touches to it," Kunal said.

On selection of the specific site for construction, he said the place has mythological significance as it is said that the deities Ram, Lakshman and Vishvamitra had set foot on the village and were welcomed by King Sumati of the Vaishali kingdom.

The ‘bhumi pujan’ for the proposed temple will be held tomorrow, Kunal said, adding the temple was being constructed to mark the centenary celebration of BMMTs.

The Angkor Wat temple was built in Cambodia in 12th century during the rule of then Cambodian King Suryavarman (1141-1152 AD).

Murti asthapana of Baba Kaliveer Ji on Jan 28

The Murti sthapana (installation of idol) of Kul Devta Baba Kaliveer Ji will be performed at Smriti Bhawan, Ram Mandir, Gurah Bakshi Nagar on January 28.

Gouri Ganesh Poojan would be held on January 26 at 9 am; Hawan Poojan on January 27 at 9 am, Murti sthapana on January 28 at 9 am and Puranahuti on January 29 at 11 am followed by Bhandara.

Devotees of Baba Kaliveer Ji Maharaj have been asked to participate alongwith family members to get blessings of Baba Ji.

Ancient Temple Burnt in Doda

Protest against burning of temple in Doda

Hundreds of people from about a dozen villages in Doda and Ramban districts held a demonstration and staged a dharna outside the official residence of the local deputy commissioner by blocking the road for more than an hour here this morning in protest against the burning down of an ancient temple at Gala Dhar. The villagers alleged that the temple was burnt down by some miscreants on the intervening night of December 9 and 10.

The villagers were demanding detailed investigation into the fire incident and stern action against the miscreants, who were involved in it. The protestors called off their protest and dharna after assurances from the deputy commission Farooq Ahmed Khan that SSP and DySP had already gone to the spot for investigation and action would be taken against the culprits.

Another group of people from different villages in tehsil Ramban crossed river Chenab to protest at Batote on National Highway but were stopped by police at various points. Hundreds of people from these areas met DIG of police Doda range, who gave a patient hearing to the agitating villagers and assured that Doda Administration would take action within five days and shall not leave any stone unturned to catch the culprits.

People from villages Dhandal, Kastigarh, Bhagwah, Dessa, Chill, Bibrota, Chuchater, Kamit, Gagla, Shamthi,  Rajgarh, Chaka Kundi and other areas of Doda and Ramban districts had gathered here this morning. They also blocked the roads for about an hour and disrupted the traffic movement.

The demonstrators led by C L Thakur Advocate, Raman Pardeep, Advocate, Gajay Singh Rana and other prominent persons of Doda met the deputy commissioner. They alleged that the administration and police had not taken any action in the past when the thousand year old temple was burnt the first time in 1995 then in 2009. It was reconstructed and an idol was installed.

It may be recalled that on the intervening night of December 9 and 10, the temple was set afire by some unidentified persons at about 2.00 AM. The high rising flames were seen by villagers from the surrounding areas. Yesterday morning about 300 villagers reached the temple site at Gala Dhar to see the charred remains of the temple. A DySP and some cops from the nearby area also visited the spot and noticed the foot-prints of the miscreants on the fresh snow around the temple premises.

All the demonstrators again met at Ramlila Ground and unanimously took the decision to meet on December 16 next and hold demonstration at Doda and chalk out further course of action on December 15. C L Thakur Advocate and prominent social worker was unanimously nominated convener of the action committee to spearhead the agitation.

Mobile for Amarnath piligrims

Now, yatris can use mobile along pilgrim routes

The mobile phone connectivity has been made operational on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes of entire Yatra area upto the Amarnath cave shrine.

With this development, the Yatris shall be able to contact their families back home while undertaking the pilgrimage through mountainous tracks, which commences on June 29, 2011.

Governor, N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), has com¬plimented the BSNL for timely providing the mobile phone connectivity for the benefit of the Yatris and all the Government Departments, Security Forces and other agencies involved in the management of the pilgrimage.

Giving details, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, R. K. Goyal, said that the cellular phone connectivity is a part of a number of initiatives taken with a view to progressively improve the Yatra man-agement.

Shree Hudh Mata Yatra from July 4

Shree Hudh Mata Trisandhaya Yatra in Dachhan area is scheduled to start from July 4 and continue till July 8.

The Yatra schedule has been issued by the Managing Committee Shree Hudh Mata Trisandhaya Yatra (Dachhan), Kishtwar which organises the pilgrimage every year.

As per the schedule, yatris from Kishtwar and outside the district, will proceed towards village Sounder, the base camp of the Yatra on July 4 from Shree Gouri Shanker Mandir Kishtwar. The Chhari Mubarak will be taken from Shri Radha Krishan Mandir Soundar on July 5 to Shri Virat Mata Mandir Dilgoot (Pandhara).

On July 6 after night haltage, yatra alongwith Charri Mubarak will proceeds towards Gokooth. On July 7 the Yatra will reach Kaikooth. On the same day the yatris will have a pious bath in Braham Sarovar and the holy waters of Trisandhaya Nadi (which flows from the top of a hill near famous Brahma peak thrice a day and starts drying from down level towards upper level). On July 8, a hawan will be performed for the well being of the humanity and peace in the State/country. After performing darshan of Shri Hud Mata and offering Puran Ahuti, the yatris will start their back journey.

The committee will arrange free langer facility for the yatris during Yatra period.

Sai Baba at Raghunath Temple Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, today wrote the Golden Chapter by installing and unveiling graceful idol of Shree Sai Baba of Shirdi in one of the outer Parikrama temple groves near famous Natraj Mandir in Shri Raghunath Ji Temple Complex here.

Kanwarani Ritu Singh, Wife of Ajatshatru Singh Ji Trustee and Member Legislative Council, unveiled the idol amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performing of special Pooja by a team of the highly learned Pandits.

Fomer Minister and Trustee Ajatshatru Singh was the chief guest.

President, J&K Dharmarth Trust, Thakur Divakar Singh and Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust Council, besides, Secretary Shashi Khajuria, galaxy of prominent citizens and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion .

Speaking on the occasion, Trustee Ajatshatru Singh said that by unveiling the Idol of Shree Sai Baba in Raghunath Mandir complex, the Trust has fulfilled the long aspirations of people of Jammu, particularly Sai Baba's devotees coming from outside the State for darshans of Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir in Jammu.

He said that with the installation of Shree Sai Baba's Idol in Jammu's pride of Shri Raghunath Ji temple, now the City of Temples could rightly be called as the abode of secular God. Underscoring the need for unveiling the sacred Idol of Sai Baba in Shree Raghunath Ji Temple Complex, Kanwarani Sahiba said, "Now devotees of Sai Baba will not to have undertake long journeys to other places for darshans of Sai Baba."

Historic Sudhmahadev Mela gets underway

The historic Sudhmahadev Mela in Chenani tehsil of Udhampur district got underway amidst colourful festivity around the mela site on Tuesday. Thousands of devotees thronged Sudhmahadev temple to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva during first day of three-day mela.

During the first day of three days of folk fair, the devotees first bathe in the Beenisangam called Budhisudhi rivulet, which flows from top of the Dhar Shivgarh and is considered an abode of innumerable saints. Therefore, the devotees take bath in sin destroying spring (Pap Nashni bowli) situated just at the entrance of the temple, about which it is said that a holy dip in this spring shuns all evils.

MLC, Yash Paul Khajuria, formally inaugurated the mela.

MLA Chenani, K.C. Bhagat, Tehsildar Chenani, (mela officer), R.K. Anand, officers of different departments, tourists, pilgrims, prominent citizens and Local Mela Committee members were also present on the occasion.

District administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Mela like uninterrupted power, safe drinking water, sanitation, medicare, Police Control Room, assistance both and security have been made at the mela site beside various departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, Health, National Rural Health Mission, Apiculture, Handicraft, Handloom and Animal Husbandry have put up their departmental stalls to educate the masses about the various State and Centrally sponsored schemes especially for soico economic upliftment.

Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust looks after the management of this historic temple under the pioneering guidance of its chairman Trustee, Dr. Karan Singh and president of Trust, Th. Divakar Singh. Recently, the Trust has added various facilities for devotees, visiting the Shrine of Sudhmahadev and other sacred Historical shrines of Shree Gouri-Kund and Maantalaai. To meet the increasing rush of devotees of the Mela days, the Trust has already made elaborate arrangements for facilities of pilgrims like their boarding lodging and langers, darshans and performing of Pooja.

Khir Bhawani festival 2011

Khir Bhawani festival, also known as Kshir Bhawani Yatra, is being observed at the temple of Mata Khir Bhawani at Tullmulla in Ganderbal district tomorrow.

Khir Bhavani festival is observed on the Ashtami day during Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Jyestha month (June – July). The shrine is also referred as the temple of Ragyna Bhagwati and is noted for a unique holy spring whose water changes its colour. Khir Bhawani festival celebrates the discovery of the holy spring by a Brahmin. For some the festival celebrates the arrival of Mata Ragyana (Khir Bhawani) to the valley.

The name Khir Bhawani comes from the deities favourite offering, rice pudding, which consist of rice cooked in milk and sugar.

Thousands of people visit the shrine during the Jyeshta Ashtami festival.Governor, Wednesday felicitated people on eve of Khirbhawani Mela.In his message, the Governor said that the festival symbolizes communal harmony and brotherhood, the hallmark of the pluralistic ethos of the State.

Earlier Vohra paid obeisance at Zeshta Devi Temple at Zethyar here today. The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, discussed with BB Bhat, President of the Zeshta Devi Prabandhak Committee, and its other functionaries about the status of boarding, lodging and other required facilities for the visiting devotees.

The Governor presented a cheque of Rs 2 lakh to the Zeshta Devi Prabandhak Committee to support its ongoing efforts to improve the required facilities for the Shri Amarnath Yatris and other devotees visiting the Temple.

Chief Minister  also felicitated people particularly Kashmiri Pandit brethren on the eve of Zestha Ashtami.

In his message, the Chief Minister prayed for the peace and development of the society and well being of the people. He wished the day to be harbinger for all round development and tranquillity in the State.

Peoples Democratic Party Patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and president Mehbooba Mufti have extended greetings to the people of the state especially the Pandit community on eve of Mela Khir Bhawani.The PDP leaders said the Mela is an important symbol of the ancient and distinct past of Kashmir.

Governor pays obeisance at Zeshta Devi Temple

The Governor, N. N. Vohra, paid obeisance at Zeshta Devi Temple at Zethyar and prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, discussed with B. B. Bhat, president of the Zeshta Devi Prabandhak Committee and its other functionaries about the status of boarding, lodging and other required facilities for the visiting devotees.

The president of Zeshta Devi Prabandhak Committee, recalling the earlier discussions held at Raj Bhawan, Jammu in April this year, when he had led a delegation to meet the Governor, stated that the lodging and boarding and other facilities available at the temple complex, which are intensively utilized by the Shri Amarnathji yatris, require urgent strengthening.

The Governor presented a cheque of Rs. 2 lakh to the Zeshta Devi Prabandhak Committee to support its ongoing efforts to improve the required facilities for the Shri Amarnathji yatris and other devotees visiting the temple.

Referring to the various other demands presented by the Prabandhak Committee, the Governor assured that the possibility of setting up a Langar for the convenience of Shri Amarnathji yatris visiting and staying at the Zeshta Devi temple during the Yatra period would be explored. He said that the matter regarding provision of medical facilities and transport service to Zeshta Devi temple would also be taken up with the district and other concerned authorities.

The Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, R. K. Goyal accompanied the Governor during the visit.

Foundation stone of Shiv temple

The foundation stone for reconstruction of Shiv temple was laid in Handwara 100 kilometres from here at a simple but impressive function today.

The function was organized by Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) Handwara led by its president Bhushan Lal Pandita. R S Bowa CJM Handwara was the chief guest on the occasion. A hawan was also performed on the occasion and pooja archana held. A large number of devotees attended the function and they were served with prashad.

The 1000 year old ancient Shiv temple in the town was in a dilapidated condition as its side walls had totally collapsed and roof caved in. The temple could not be properly maintained during the turmoil period. However this year the SDS Handwara took a decision to reconstruct the new temple in its place without touching the sanctum sanctorum.

Mela Khir Bhawani from June 9

Mela Khir Bhawani at Tulamulla is commencing from June 9, 2011 at Tulamulla. Arrangements with regard to Mela were finalised at an officers meeting held here today with the Divisional Commissioner Dr. Asgar Hasan Samoon in chair.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned officers of R&B, PHE, Power, Health, SKIMS, Information and Municipal Committee etc, to ensure that all the facilities at Tulmulla are made available to the devotees coming from various parts of the country.

He asked the SSP Traffic to ensure hassle free traffic movement during the festival days to avoid inconvenience to the devotees. He said medical camps by Department of Health and SKIMS should be established and asked the Director CAPD to ensure availability of essentials including sugar during these days to devotees.

Regarding tentage facilities, the District Development Commissioner said that district administration has 4000 tents in readiness, however if needed it would be augmented and Red Cross Society will be approached had in this behalf.

The Director Tourism informed that an amount of Rs 15.50 crore has been allotted to JKPCC for renovation and up gradation of Mata Khir Bhawani Temple and the work has been to great extent completed which also include shops and Puja hall and residential accommodation. He said Hazrat Baba Hyder Ziarat, near this area is also being renovated as a part of pilgrimage Tourism.

The Divisional Commissioner urged the officers to maintain a close rapport with each other and make all possible facilities available to the devotees.

Murti Sathapana performed at Maha Ganesh Temple

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturdashi today the Murti Sathapana was performed at newly constructed Shri Mahaganesh Temple at Ganesh Vihar, Muthi, here this afternoon. This unique type of Ganesh Temple has been constructed by the displaced Hindus from village Hanand -Chawalgam in Kulgam distrct of South Kashmir and it took them three years to built the temple.

Besides the Hindu biradari members from Hanand -Chawalgam village hundreds of devotees drawn from various parts of Jammu attended the function. Soon after the idol of Mahaganesh was installed on sanctum -sanctorum the slogans of Maha Ganesh Ki Jai rented the air. This was followed by samohik Arti and serving of prashad to devotees.

The temple is the replica of the original Ganesh Temple of Hanand Chawalgam and it has been constructed on two canals of land at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh.

The Murti of Lord Ganesh has been bought from Mahabalipuram under the supervision of Shankaracharya Ji of Kanchi Mutt. The Murti of Lord Ganesh was placed on Sanctum-Sanctorum by renowned saints and sages, amidst chanting of religious hymns.

The entire area gave a festive look as the temple premises was fully decorated by the devotees and biradari members.

In connection with the Murti Sathapana a Maha Yagya was also soliminized in temple premises. The hawan will conclude tomorrow afternoon with Puranahuti. The devotees also participated in Bhajan and Kirtan. Having total faith in their Isht Dev (presiding God) the villagers of Hanand Chawalgam believe that this Ganesh Temple will be a uniting force for them in exile also.

The Bhoomi -Poojan of the temple was performed on Ganesh Chaturdashi in 2008.