Sharada Peeth – A Heritage Site at Risk

• About: The temple, located close to the LoC, was demolished partly to make way for the construction of a coffee house.
  • The demolition occurred despite a Supreme Court order to protect the temple. Attacks on religious minorities are not isolated incidents in Pakistan.
• Attack on Minority Sentiments: Minority communities in Pakistan, especially the Hindus, have been facing targeted violence, killings, and encroachments on their lands. 
  • The recent attacks on Sharada Peeth question the international preservation efforts about protecting cultural and religious heritage in the region. 

Also Read: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

About Sharada Peeth 

• Location: The temple is located along the Neelum River in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), just about 10 Km from the Line of Control. It is located on Mount Harmukh.
• Origin of Name:  Sharada Peeth literally means “the seat of Sharada” which is the Kashmiri name for the goddess Saraswati.
  • The name may have also originated from ancient words for “flow or stream” and “blow, tip or rock” as the temple site was situated at the confluence of three streams. 
  • Goddess Sharada is considered as an incarnation of the goddess Saraswati and is believed to be the goddess of learning and knowledge. 
• Construction: Some historical records say that the temple was constructed during the reign of Emperor Asoka 237 B.C. while others claim that it was built during the rule of Kushans early 1st century. 
  • Another study says that Raja Lalitaditya had built the Sharada Peeth to contain the religious and political influence of Buddhism.

• Historical Records:
  • Al Biruni: Famous traveler Al-Biruni recorded the temple for the first time as a revered shrine housing a wooden image of Sharda, but based his record completely on hearsay.
  • Kalhana’s Rajatarangini: Kalhana says that disciples of Gaud King Lalitaditya had come all the way from Bengal to Kashmir to pay a visit to this Sharda Mandir.
  • Abul Fazal: Abul Fazal describes Sharada Peeth as a “stone temple, which was regarded with great veneration“.
  • Bilhana’s Nilamata Purana: The text describes Kashmir as a patron of learning and Sharada Peeth as the source of that reputation. 
• Legend:
  • Place of Learning: Sharada Peeth was a revered place of learning, with students coming from far areas to gain knowledge. Famous scholar Adi Shankaracharya is said to have visited this temple.
    • This exposure popularized the Sharada script, which was used for writing Sanskrit and other languages in the Kashmir Valley. 
  • The Sharda script was so influential that it earned Kashmir the moniker “Sharda Desh”, meaning “country of Sharda”.
• Architecture of the Temple
  • The temple’s architecture is of Kashmiri style, which uses red sandstone. The temple is elevated on a platform with a west-facing entrance.
  • The entrance columns show a resemblance to the Doric style of Greek architecture. The three-sided walls are a perfect mirror of the pyramidal Shikara of Kashmiri style. 
• Myths Associated:
  • Cursed River: The river flowing near the Sharda Peeth is believed to be cursed and anyone who tries to cross it will face terrible consequences.
    • The evil spirits inhabiting the river will drag unsuspecting travelers underwater.
  • Magical Rock: A rock near the temple floats in the air during certain times of the day, touching which can bring good luck and prosperity.
  • Pandavas’ Curse: During Mahabharata, the Pandavas visited the temple and were refused entry by the temple priests. In anger, the Pandavas cursed the temple, leading to its downfall.  
  • Goddess Saraswati’s Curse: It is said that Goddess Saraswati cursed the temple after a king called Prahlad refused to pay homage to her. 
• Religious Significance
  • Shakti Peeth: Believed to be one of the Maha Shakti Peethas, the temple represents the spiritual location of the goddess Sati’s fallen right hand. 
  • Pilgrimage Site: The Sharada Peeth is one of the three holiest sites of pilgrimage for Kashmiri Pandits, alongside the Martand Sun Temple and the Amarnath Temple.

About Sharada Peeth Corridor

• Idea: Post the success of the Kartarpur Corridor, the governments of India and Pakistan have been contemplating the construction of the Sharada Peeth Corridor for devotees from India to visit the shrine without visas.
• Problems Associated: Some elements in the Pakistani establishment are not in favour of opening the corridor as they believe it will pose a security problem.
  • Another issue is regarding the territory. Since PoK is not recognised by India and LoC is not a legitimate borderline, undertaking such an initiative is complex.