Destruction of Hindu temples in Jammu Kashmir: Temples in Kulgam

Kulgam, located in the lap of Pir Panjal ranges, sits at an elevation of about 1739 metres (5705 feet). The district is known for a religious saint, Sayed Simnan Sahib, who gave it the name “Kulgam” (“Kul” means “clan” in Sanskrit; “gram” in Sanskrit means “village”). Although, it is unusual how a saint from an Islamic region of Iran could name the place in Sanskrit language. Nevertheless, the region of Kulgam is also the birthplace of the ancestors of India’s first prime minister, Pt.  Jawharlal Nehru. Kulgam is also known as the rice bowl of the valley and is known for its variety of fruit, especially apples.

Kulgam is also known as the rice bowl of the valley and is known for its variety of fruit, especially apples.

Kulgam is also known for its excavations of a new archaeological site in a village called Kutbal. As per experts, the place dates back to a first-century civilization, as some artifacts belonging to the period of Kushana kings appeared in the region. Since, the plateau of Kutbal was once considered a scenic city in the Kushan period.

These excavations speak of high culture, civic sense, social norms and art of the people living in those times. But, further excavation was stopped due to terror activities sponsored by Pakistan and fundamentalists in the valley.

The excavations of Kutbal (village), dating back to the Kushan period, speak of high culture, civic sense, social norms and art of the people living in those times

Attacks on common people and especially symbols of Hindu religion too was the part of terrorising. So today in the third part of the series - Destruction of Hindu Temples in Jammu Kashmir, we bring you some temples that were destroyed in Kulgam district of Jammu Kashmir.

Ragnya Temple, Zainpora, Kulagam - The temple suffered the Muslim wrath when Mast Gul and his local Muslim collaborators burnt the chrar mausoleumof Nund Rishi. It was a temple after the pattern of Khsirbhawani Temple at Tullamulla. It was desecrated, looted and destroyed by the Muslim Vandals.

Katyayani Temple, Kulgam - It has been totally razed to the ground. The icons of Shiva Parvati and Katyayani have been desecrated and broken into pieces. Dharmashalla is burnt. Materials of the temple are looted as booty. The fencing around the temple area measuring three kanals has been removed and destroyed.

Kulavaghishwari Temple, Kulagam - It is located within the heart of the town. Its origins lie in the Mother Goddess worship tradition. It was looted, desecrated and burnt. Its fencing is removed and looted. Two Dharmshallas within the temple premises have been burnt.

Vaishakhi Temple, Kharbrari, Kulgam - it has a spring with ancient Shiva Lingas studding its sides. The trees and poplars growing within the temple have been felled and looted. The wall around the temple has been dismantled.

Temples, Hanand Chawalgam (Kulgam) - The Shiva Temple standing by the side of Boys High School was looted and burnt. The Ganesh Temple (photo above) within the same premises was enclosed by a brick-wall which has been demolished and materials looted. The G.I.E. sheets covering the structures have been dismantled and looted. The whole area is ravaged and destroyed.

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