After 36 Years, Original Path to PoK’s Sharda Peeth Reawakens with Pran Pratishtha Honouring Mata’s Dual Form at Gund Gushi

Gund Gushi (Kupwara), March 30, 2025: In a deeply poignant and historically significant event, the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Murthi of Sharda Mata was successfully conducted today at the ancient Sharda Mata Temple in Gund Gushi, Kupwara. This momentous occasion marks the first formal consecration and revitalization of this holy site in 36 years, following the mass migration of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Crucially, this temple lies on the original, traditional pilgrimage route to the revered Sharda Peeth, currently situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Hundreds of devotees, their faces etched with emotion and reverence, gathered amidst the serene landscape of Gund Gushi to witness the elaborate rituals which began promptly at 11 AM. Attendees thronged the site, travelling from Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of the country, notably including many Kashmiri Pandits who were formerly residents of the Gushi area. Organized by the Shri Sharda Asthapan Trust, the ceremony signifies a major milestone in the efforts to reconnect with and preserve the millennia-old Sharda heritage of Kashmir.

The significance of the Gund Gushi temple cannot be overstated. Historically, it served as the vital first base camp for the annual pilgrimage (Yatra) to the main Sharda Peeth. Before the tumultuous events leading up to and following 1947, hundreds of sadhus and pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey from this very point, proceeding via the traditional Keran route towards the main shrine in PoK. Today’s Pran Pratishtha is being hailed by the Trust as the crucial first step towards reviving that sacred, centuries-old tradition.

What makes the Gund Gushi temple exceptionally unique is the form in which Mata Sharda is venerated here. Unlike most shrines, the Goddess is worshipped in her rare dual manifestation: as ‘Shila’ (a sacred, naturally formed stone) and ‘Jal’ (holy water from an adjacent spring/river). This dual worship form is considered deeply significant, reflecting the divine essence of the main Sharda Peeth itself and offering devotees a powerful spiritual connection to the Goddess within the Kashmir valley.

The historical and spiritual importance of this specific location is well-documented. Kalhana’s ancient chronicle, the Rajatarangini, mentions the vicinity of Gund Gushi and the nearby Khamil river. It recounts the tale of Muni Sandilya, who attained enlightenment while journeying towards the Sharda temple. According to the text, Mahadevi (Goddess Sharda) appeared to him and promised to reveal herself in her true Shakti form within the sacred Sharda Forest, further sanctifying this route.

The large gathering today, the first such event at this specific location on the original route since the migration, underscores the deep-seated yearning within the community to reclaim and honour their spiritual geography. The air was thick with devotion as hymns and mantras resonated, formally infusing the Murthi with divine presence after a gap of nearly four decades.

In a statement released post-ceremony, the Shri Sharda Asthapan Trust expressed its heartfelt gratitude, stating: “We express our profound thanks to the district administration of Kupwara and the entire Baradari (community) of Kupwara for their unwavering support and cooperation, which were instrumental in bringing this sacred day to fruition.”

The successful Pran Pratishtha at Gund Gushi is more than just the consecration of an idol; it is the re-ignition of a historical pilgrimage route, the reaffirmation of an ancient faith practice featuring the unique dual worship of Mata Sharda, and a beacon of hope for devotees longing to reconnect with one of the most revered sites in their tradition, Sharda Peeth. It stands as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and spiritual revival against the backdrop of decades of displacement.