Srinagar, Oct 27 : In a heartening example of community participation and commitment to preserving Kashmir’s cultural and religious heritage, the ancient Shri Durgeshwari Temple at Bana Mohalla in Srinagar’s Fateh Kadal area is witnessing a revival, with residents and well-wishers joining hands to restore and safeguard the historic place of worship.
Dedicated to Maa Durga, the temple holds deep religious and emotional significance for Kashmiri Pandit families associated with the neighbourhood, serving as an enduring link to their ancestral roots, traditions and collective memories.
The restoration initiative, which began in September 2026 under the leadership of Shashi Tickoo, has gradually evolved from an individual effort to protect the temple property into a collective movement involving members of the community, local residents and supporters of heritage preservation.
According to those associated with the initiative, Tickoo initially undertook the repair of the temple’s main entrance gate to prevent further deterioration and secure the premises. As the work progressed, three gates were repaired and fitted with locks to strengthen the protection of the temple property.
Recognising that the preservation of the historic shrine required wider participation, Tickoo subsequently reached out to local residents and well-wishers, encouraging them to contribute towards the restoration.
A dedicated WhatsApp group was also established to bring supporters together, coordinate restoration activities and mobilise community assistance.
The initiative soon expanded beyond securing the premises, with efforts undertaken to restore essential facilities and improve the overall condition of the temple.
A new water connection was obtained through the concerned department, while electricity and lighting arrangements were made to improve basic infrastructure.
Cleaning, repair and painting work was also carried out, helping improve the condition of the temple premises.
Alongside the restoration activities, Tickoo approached the district administration and other authorities seeking institutional support for the preservation and improvement of the shrine.
He met Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo and submitted an application concerning the temple and its requirements.
Representations were also submitted to the concerned elected representatives and civic authorities, seeking improvements in the surrounding area, including a proposal for the development of a park.
Those associated with the initiative said the involvement of Ashok Razdan proved particularly significant in sustaining and strengthening the restoration effort.
Razdan extended substantial support and contributions towards the initiative, helping transform the initial restoration work into a broader community undertaking.
His involvement, along with contributions from residents and other well-wishers, helped mobilise resources and maintain the momentum of the restoration activities.
The organisers acknowledged Razdan’s role, describing his encouragement and commitment as instrumental in bringing the initiative to its present stage.
They also expressed gratitude to the local community for extending cooperation and contributing towards the protection of the historic religious site.
The revival of the temple carries particular emotional significance for Kashmiri Pandit families whose ancestral connections with Bana Mohalla and Fateh Kadal span generations.
For these families, the shrine represents more than a religious structure. It remains a reminder of the neighbourhoods where their ancestors lived, worshipped, celebrated festivals and maintained longstanding social and cultural relationships.
The restoration effort is therefore being viewed not merely as an exercise in repairing infrastructure but as an attempt to preserve a valuable part of Kashmir’s shared cultural landscape.
What began with the repair of a single gate has now developed into a coordinated initiative involving infrastructure improvements, engagement with government departments and community contributions.
The organisers hope that the ongoing efforts will encourage greater participation in the preservation of other historic temples and religious sites across Kashmir.
They said the initiative demonstrates how individual commitment, supported by collective participation, can contribute meaningfully to protecting places of historical and cultural importance.
With restoration work progressing and further improvements being pursued, the ancient Durgeshwari Temple is gradually regaining attention and care, offering a positive example of how communities can come together to safeguard their heritage for future generations.
For those connected with the shrine, every repaired gate, restored facility and improvement to the premises represents another step towards preserving a place that continues to hold generations of faith, memories and belonging. (KNS)
