In a tragic event, the iconic Maharani Temple in Gulmarg, located atop a hillock was gutted in a blaze. If reports are to go by, a fire erupted at the renowned Maharani Temple, where the iconic Bollywood song ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz was once filmed. The fire consumed the temple overnight, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake. This temple held significant religious importance, serving as a popular pilgrimage site in the valley.
Reports suggest that the blaze broke out at around 3:45 AM on June 5, and despite prompt intervention from the local fire service station and law enforcement, nothing much could be saved. The temple’s complete destruction stemmed from its construction entirely of wood, exacerbating the fire’s impact. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this devastating inferno.
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Originally known as Mohineshwar Shivalaya or Rani Temple, Maharani Temple earned fame through its cinematic appearance in the Bollywood movie Aap Ki Kasam. Constructed in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, it was under the management of the former royal family and operated by the Dharmarth Trust.
Remarkably, the Indian Army collaborated with local communities in 2021 to restore this 106-year-old temple. Apart from renovating the temple structure, the Indian Army also undertook the redesigning of pathways leading to the temple, breathing new life into the sacred site. The temple was subsequently reopened to the public, offering devotees the opportunity to reconnect with their spiritual roots.
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Referring to this, the caretaker of the temple elaborated about the importance of continued community service in Gulmarg, expressing hope for the temple’s restoration to its former grandeur. However, the hopes were shattered as the temple succumbed to flames in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The community’s fervent wish remains for the temple to rise anew, and ongoing investigations aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic fire.
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In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the loss reverberates not only through the physical destruction of a historic monument, but also through the emotional and spiritual impact on the local community and devotees alike. The Maharani Temple’s legacy endures, albeit now as a memory etched in the hearts of those who cherished its presence in the serene landscapes of Gulmarg.
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