Kashmir: Sheetalnath Temple Reopens After 36 Years in Srinagar.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years, Following Jihadi Upsurge in the Valley in 1990.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Srinagar | Sept 25, 2026:: Srinagar’s historic Sheetalnath Temple in the Habba Kadal area reopened after 36 years, with temple bells, Vedic chants and havan rituals marking the revival of the shrine, which had remained closed amid the jihadi upsurge in Kashmir in 1990. The reopening brought together scores of Kashmiri Pandits who travelled from different parts of India. They were welcomed by local Kashmiri Muslims in a gathering that highlighted the Valley’s shared cultural heritage and its long-standing tradition of Kashmiriyat. Obviously, this selective spirit of Kashmiriyat was completely undermined by jihadi outfits in 1990, when Kashmiri Hindus and Pandits were forced to leave the Valley in what has been described as an unexpected episode of ethnic cleansing.The restoration of the temple was carried out by Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Culture.

The Sheetalnath complex had been left neglected and suffered extensive damage, including from arson, following the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. The restoration involved the structural rebuilding of key parts of the complex, including the sanctum sanctorum and the havanshala. The revival has now enabled devotees to return to the shrine for prayers and religious ceremonies.

The temple holds an important place in Kashmiri Shaivism and is regarded as one of the ancient Ashta Bhairavs—the eight guardian deities traditionally associated with the protection of Srinagar. Officials said the restoration of Sheetalnath is part of a broader effort to preserve and restore historic places of worship across Jammu and Kashmir that were damaged or neglected during years of unrest.
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