SHOPIAN: In communal harmony, Pandits and Muslims from different areas were seen together at the Nagbal Temple in Shopian for the annual Kapal Mochan Shradh.
People who participated in the Shradh said that they are happy to see Pandits and Muslims together here and this place has again evoked an environment of communal harmony.
A pandit told that this temple has spirituality significance and since time immemorial, people have been visiting here but in the 90’s they weren’t able to visit. He said that since 2008 they again have been visiting here and it is possible only because of the local Muslim population that they are again and again visiting.
The historic Kapal Mochan shrine was closed at the peak of militancy in the Valley in the 90’s. It remained shut for almost two decades. A local visitor said that they have been visiting here for years and participating in Shradh to give a message of peace, unity and communal harmony.
“We have been like flowers of a single bouquet, standing up for each other in happiness and sorrow and emotional separation of two communities who have lived together for centuries is impossible.” He said.
Located on the bank of Ranbiara rivulet in Deegam Nagbal area around two kilometres from Shopian town, the shrine premises are dotted with multiple springs and it is believed that the water gushing out of the springs has curative power.
Hundreds of yatris, particularly Kashmiri Pandits from across the country visit the shrine every year. Tirathraj Kapal Mochan Prabandhak Committee members told KNO hundreds of devotees showed up at the shrine and participated in Shradh.
He said that the yatris visit the temple for thread ceremony and Shardh for children and those who die in accidents or as bachelors. They said that without the help of their Muslim brethren, the yatra was almost impossible.
“During the yatra, our Muslim neighbours provide us with milk, vegetables and other eatables,” they said. They also thanked the administration for having made extraordinary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra—(KNO
