The Return of a Sacred Relic: Ancient Shiva Lingam Restored to Rainawari After Decades of Struggle

Poonam Sharma 

After decades of relentless struggle, spiritual perseverance, and legal battles, the apex body of Rainawari Kashmiri Pandits—Rainawari Kashmiri Pandit Action Committee (RKPAC)—has achieved a historic and deeply spiritual milestone. The organization, long engaged in the preservation and restoration of Rainawari’s ancient temples, has finally succeeded in retrieving the revered ancient Shiva Lingam from police custody, following an order by the Honourable High Court. This marks a moment of divine justice, emotional healing, and cultural revival for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.

An Antiquity of Deep Spiritual and Historical Significance

The retrieved Shiva Lingam is not just a religious symbol—it is a priceless spiritual relic of Kashmir’s ancient Shaivite tradition. Originally housed in the Bodh Mandir (Shiv Ji Temple) at Kralyar, Rainawari, Srinagar, this Lingam holds a special place in the hearts and history of Kashmiri Pandits. According to oral tradition and community lore, the Shiva Lingam is said to possess healing powers, and is associated with numerous miraculous events, where devotees were protected or blessed during times of crisis.

The temple of Bodh Mandir, situated on the banks of the Rainawari Canal, has been a cornerstone of Rainawari’s sacred geography for centuries. However, during the tumultuous years of militancy and displacement in Kashmir, the temple fell into disuse and neglect. Tragically, the sacred Shiva Lingam was forcibly removed and thrown into the Rainawari Canal, a sacrilegious act that left the community shattered.

From Despair to Devotion: The Legal Battle for Restoration

The Shiva Lingam was later recovered by the local police but remained in custody for several years, its fate uncertain. It was during this time that Shri Bushan Lal Jalali, President of RKPAC, emerged as a key figure in the legal and spiritual campaign to retrieve the Lingam. His unwavering faith, legal diligence, and relentless advocacy brought the matter before the Honourable High Court of Jammu and Kashmir. The court, recognizing the religious and cultural significance of the relic, ordered its release.

This victory is not merely a legal one—it is a spiritual reclaiming of heritage, a reaffirmation of faith, and a beacon of hope for all displaced and marginalized communities who strive to preserve their sacred traditions.

A New Home for the Divine: Jogishwari Mandir, Rainawari

The reclaimed Shiva Lingam will now find a new sacred abode at the Jogishwari Temple (Lokut Mandir) located at Ghat Jogi Lanker, Rainawari, Srinagar. This temple, itself steeped in mystical lore and a part of the Natha Parampara and Trika Shaiva Darshan, has historically been a vibrant spiritual center. Unfortunately, its own ancient Saptik Shiva Lingam has been missing for years—another painful reminder of the ongoing cultural erosion suffered during decades of turmoil.

The Jogishwari Mandir Trust (JMT), the traditional custodial body of this temple, has officially collaborated with RKPAC to install the ancient Lingam in the temple complex. This collaborative restoration is not only an act of devotion, but a powerful message of community solidarity, resilience, and spiritual revival.

A Symbol of Revival and Unity

This sacred installation is also symbolic. In a region where temples have been desecrated, identities erased, and faiths challenged, the installation of the ancient Shiva Lingam is a resounding act of spiritual reclamation. It symbolizes the enduring strength of the Kashmiri Pandit community—a community that, despite exile and trauma, has held fast to its traditions, culture, and gods.

The Shiva Lingam’s return to a temple setting marks a renewal of sacred geography, re-anchoring displaced identities back into their spiritual homeland. The decision to place the Lingam in Jogishwari Mandir also reflects a deeply strategic and spiritually resonant choice, given the temple’s historic alignment with Shaiva Tantra, the worship of Bhairava, and the mystical traditions of Kashmir Shaivism.

A Message to the Administration

While this success is momentous, concerns remain. The original Saptik Shiva Lingam of Jogishwari Mandir is still missing, and the Kashmiri Pandit community continues to request the help of the administration and law enforcement agencies to trace and restore it. It is imperative that state institutions recognize these issues not only as matters of property or legality but as crucial components of religious and cultural identity.

As temples are restored and sacred idols reinstated, there must be systemic support to ensure such desecrations never happen again. Temples are not just places of worship—they are repositories of civilizational memory, and the state must act to protect them.

A Collective Triumph

This historic installation is being conducted with the collective efforts of RKPAC and JMT, under the inspiring leadership of Shri Bushan Lal Jalali, who has dedicated his life to the service of Kashmiri heritage and spirituality. The Jogishwari Mandir is now home not only to a recovered relic but to a revived sense of purpose, faith, and belonging.

Let this moment inspire other communities to rise and reclaim their traditions. Let it also serve as a reminder to authorities and civil society that the work of cultural and religious restoration is not over—it is only beginning.

Jai Jogishwari Mahadev
Jai Vaitaal Bhairav
Om Para Bhairavai Namah
Om Para Bhattarikai Namah

(Source Courtsey :Dr.Mahesh Kaul)