Gates of historic temple in Kashmir opened after 18 years

Srinagar, July 4 (UNI) After more than 18 years, the gates of a historic temple in south Kashmir were opened for devotees today.

The Tripursundari Vaishnavite shrine at Devsar in Anantnag district welcomed hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits, who had migrated from the Valley in 1989 with the onset of militancy, thus rendering the temple abandoned.

The temple of Khunbaran Bhagwati was opened on 'Harashtami' festival today. The festival would now be celebrated every year.

A yagna was also organised on the occasion. A large number of Kashmiri Pandits had come from Jammu and other migrant camps to pay obeisance at the temple.

A reunion of several separated Muslim and Kashmiri Pandit neighbours was also witnessed on the occasion.

Tears rolled down the eyes of Muslims as they embraced their Kashmiri Pandit brethren after 18 years of separation.

UNI AG YSS MSJ RN1820