Aadil Nazir
Sopore, May 17 : For the Kashmiri Pandits who offered prayers at the ancient Shri Nandkishwar Ji Maharaja temple in Seer Jagir, Sopore, on Saturday, the visit was not merely a ritual but a reclaiming of memory and a prayer for permanence.
On the occasion of Jyeshtha Amavasya, the community gathered at the temple—a site many had not seen in decades. Speaking to media, devotee Sanjay Pandith described the visit as long-awaited.
“We came here a few days ago. Today, we visited the temple and paid our respects,” Pandith said.
Acknowledging the painful years of exile, he stressed that the current peace has changed their calculations. “No doubt, earlier it used to be a very difficult situation, which is why we had also decided not to return. Now the situation is peaceful. Everything is normal, and we are so excited to be back in the valley.”
Pandith added that the warmth of old neighbours had erased lingering doubts. “We are really happy to come here, especially with the love and respect from our Muslim brothers. We truly felt peace seeing those people with whom we spent our childhood. Kashmir is in our veins, and the question of not returning does not arise.”
Another devotee, Rakesh, placed his faith in administrative support. “Given how peaceful the situation is and how the administration is supporting and cooperating with us, we will have our full hawan on this auspicious occasion next year.”
He spoke of the emotion of standing inside the temple once more. “Coming here makes one emotional when we see our Muslim community and how they support us shoulder to shoulder and join in our function. The same brotherhood feelings reignite.”
Rakesh added, “On behalf of all Kashmiri Pandits, we appreciate the efforts of the administration and our Prabhat committee. We are hopeful for the day we return to our motherland, Kashmir.”
The resumption of rituals at the temple drew visible enthusiasm among the devotees, with several describing the atmosphere as emotional yet reassuring.
