Sharda Temple Photo Gallery by Gharib Hanif at pbase.com

Sharda Temple

Sharda was a place of great learning for centuries. A great seat of learning was started during the Buddhist rule and continued through Hindu and Muslim rule. It went into decline during the Dogra rule and subsequent period. The temple is said to be Sharda Devi, a Hindu goddess revered especially by the Kashmir Pandit community.

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Inside Sharda Temple complex	Sharda in Neelum Valley	Entrance to Sharda Temple	Inside Sharda Temple complex
Sharda	Sharda Temple	Sharda Temple	Sharda

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PRADEEP ATHAVALE		02-Dec-2018 12:12
Thank You photographers for bringing to our notice the great heritage of Sharada Peeth .

Avinash Revo		21-Sep-2016 10:10
Can anybody share latest pictures of Maa Sharda Peeth in POK. Is it possible to visit that area ?

Guest		20-Sep-2016 09:33
Can anyone help me to see maa Sharada devi temple. I have visited 7 ashtadasa peetas till now. I wish to see maa sharda devei temple. please help me. Lalitha

shubham sharma		28-Nov-2015 04:43
I m from kullu hp ....my gotra is bhardawaja....I m kashmiri pandit....our kul devi is also maa sharda of kashmir....plz renovate this temple

riaz khan		14-Jun-2015 07:24
i am from kashmir and we have initiated to safeguard sharda temple, we have persuaded the government and measures are being taken from june 2015 it includes safeguarding and partial restoration of this comon cultural heritage.. for further information pls check rukhsanakhan@yahoo.com at facebook.

hema		20-Mar-2015 10:29
hello ... any one can help me to visit 'ma sarada devi shakthi peetam'

GuruPrasad .R		03-Mar-2015 11:24
beautiful place I am planning to visit this place. Who could help us on this... plesae send me some details

Brahmanyan		04-Aug-2014 04:25
Salutations to Gharib Hanif Saheb, Humanity survives on Love. You have done a great service by reminding the History and Cultural Traditions of Kashmir. Grateful thanks for the photos of Sharada Temple complex.

blpanditaadvocate		01-Jul-2014 07:29
During breakfast meeting with the then Chief Secretary PAK ,Mr Durani in Nov 2000 at Kashmir house Islamabad ,heassured me that the renovation of temple etc will be initaited soon as he has taken up the matter with Archoligical Survey of Pakistan ,I dont know why no work has been crried on ,I appretaite the people of the area who time and again are agitating the issue

surinder rawat		23-Apr-2014 13:26
I salute Garib Hanif Saheb jee,Thank U very much for posting such nice photographs of the riuins of‘Saharda Peeth’ & read the views/ comments ,but could not find any refrence about it’s “Temple Architecture “ classification /catogery .Pl permit to add few views in the blog: As mentioned, the temple was built by Kasmiri Pundits ,of erstwhile Gandhara Janpada ,on the banks of the blue waters of Neelum–Kishen-Ganga River ,refered as river of honey (Madhumati ) well before, 2nd Buddhist conclave organized Kushan king Kaniska) . If historians are speculative,it can safely be infered that the various temples in the complex were built on Indo –Aryan style ,which suseqently evoloved through out ancient India (Bharat) into the famous Gurjara-Partihara temple Architecture ,now visible in ancient temple ruins in Northen & Western India or upto Karoonjhar –Nagarparka in Thar Sindh,when earler ‘Sramana’ –memorizinhg movement by Rig Ved mandalas dieties (such as Agni and Varuna) were relegated and Vishnu and Siva started gaining popularity into Panchayatana worship to pay obeisance to five deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya and Ganesha

Zia saque		04-Apr-2014 11:23
Sharda is a very green valley . its my mother ladand . i love this valley

zgmi		01-Dec-2013 05:45
Dear Community, My apologies for the late reply. I am having some problems in pasting link and was not following the thread. Please acknowledge if the post is visible this time, thanks. I have posted a link on which I have posted a picture and will be posting many more if it works. http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/2471347/ regards, Zaigham

malhar		12-Aug-2013 06:26
Zaigham, Kindly post the pics or post the link where we can see them !

Guest		12-Aug-2013 06:25
Zaigham pls post them..would love to see the latest pics...

Zaigham		01-Aug-2013 23:09
I visited Sharda in June 2013 and it is exactly as in the pictures given above, I also took some pics and can be contacted if any body need any, alternatively I can post them at some public post.

jiju		27-May-2013 17:18
aacharya shankara was born in kerala (southern part of India) Kashmir is in northern part of India...this temple teach us the unity of our country in the ancient age..but now...we are divided..let us rebuild this oldest university and also our unity...

SURESH PANDITA		22-Mar-2013 06:42
WE THE KASHMIRI PANDITS USE TO VISIT NEELUM VALLEY AND PAY THE OBEISANCE TO MATA SHARDA FROM THE IMMORAL TIMES . MATA SHARDA IS THE SUPREME SEAT OF LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE. AT JAMMU J&K INDIA WE HAVE CREATED REPLICA OF MATA SHARDA SHRINE MANAGED BY THE SHARDA MATA TRUST . WE HAD REQUEST GOVT . TO ALLOW US TO VISIT SHARDA TO PAY OBEISANCE . KINDLY SEND ME MORE PICS SO OF SHARDA SHRINE .

vipin kumar		17-Mar-2013 11:21
divine & devotional

Zia khan saque		02-Feb-2013 15:17
Neelum is a beutiful place

Muslim descendant of a Brahmin		24-Dec-2012 01:49
Of course it's a shame that the university is no longer there but the disrepair is due to the mandir not being used any longer ; not due to wanton destruction, unlike say the Babri Masjid in India. As many have pointed out the bulk of the university and buildings were destroyed during the Hindu Dogra rule. After partition, the patrons who used the mandir part left and naturally it fell into neglect and ruin. However, we Kashmiri's are proud of our heritage (you have to know where & from whom you are to know where you are heading to) and my hope is that this along with other places will be preserved for our future generations so that they may know what their ancestors build (irrespective of religion). To the fascists posting from Bombay & further south - one can change ones beliefs to please the soul but our heritage are these mountains & valleys and those that have gone here before us- no matter what you preach that will never change.

Srinivas		22-Dec-2012 16:30
Thank you so much for posting such nice pics... my eyes moistened just seeing the pics... I am planning to visit this place. Who could help us on this...

Abdullah Shahid		16-Dec-2012 10:59
I visited Sharda on Dec 10, 2012.. it is under Pak Army's control. The spot is retained as it is, while tourist visits there regularly.. it is a nice place..mental peace.. and for the record, i found no hatred for any community there..so all the bias talks are baseless.. just enjoy the beauty

Suresh		27-Nov-2012 07:10
Hanif jee,I am Suresh Shenoy from Bombay now Mumbai,I was born in a Hindu Brahmin Family.What's the current status of Sharda Temple,does it exist. I have read that almost all the temples in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir were destroyed by the Pakistani Tribal raiders from Wazirstan & Swat during 1947 Partition of India,65 years ago. I recently saw a you tube video of another Ram Sita Temple in Muzaffarbad which was completely destroyed. Regards Suresh Shenoy

Gharib Hanif		16-Oct-2012 17:31
Jijesh, I think the army have maintained what was handed to them. They cannot rebuild the site. I guess the structure had been damaged during partition and the decades after that when it lay in ruin. The army was brought in to protect it only some years ago.

Jijesh Sukumaran		16-Oct-2012 17:15
Ms. Sheedha, You said that the Pakistani Army have maintained, repaired and researched this site.. How can we call this as repair and maintenance. This is destruction of an ancient temple and culture....

faqirullahhafiz'ymail		23-Sep-2012 16:45
i.m.love.this.place

Manoj Bhat		15-Sep-2012 12:48
Thanks to all kashmiri brothers either muslims or hindus. Asusual we dont show aggression to each other and do understand each other. May allah bless all Mr Garib bhai for bring such a big thing on net. Thanks all

jiju		16-Jul-2012 18:01
thanks to this pics. lets compel the govt to reestablish the ancient university...

Asif Razzaq(Grace)islamabad		11-Jul-2012 20:34
Salam to all,I m Asif Razaq live in islamabad but belong to azad kashmir,I want tel u some think about azad kashmir,if u want go there then best time to visit May to September,in azad kashmir many beautifull places,Nelem vally,sharda,kail,Halmat,tio butt,Grace,Rati Gali,Banjosa,Haji peer,Ali abad,Kaler,Sodan Gali,Lepa vally,Jhelum Vally,and many beautifull and nice places,but before going u must need information about these places,u need information,about Road,Hotels,Waither,And convence,if u want need guide line u cal me i will tel u about azad kashmir,cuz i see 90% azad kashmir and i know v well about azad kashmir,i want ur trip will be good and u must remember ur this trip,if u want see all nelem valy then u need 5 to 6 days,in nelem valy best places,tio butt,halmat,Kail,sharda,Davarehaa,karan,is best places to vissit in nelem vally,but in all places r hotels r cheep but some places gust house r good but in muzfarabad u go to forest office then u boked rrom already,cuz in 4,to 5 months many people go there then 90% hotels have no room.if u have ur own car then u go to sharda,not more cuz in sharda road is good but after sharda road is v bad and if u want go to halmat or tio but then u nopt use car cuz in places u need jeep,in these places u not go with car,u need 4x4,cuz road condeshan is v bad,and dangress,in azad kashmir best place to visit Rati Gali. in rati gali 6 beautifull lake,but if u want go there then u go on road and walking cuz no convence to rati gali lake,u must travel 8 to 10 hours then u will reach in lake,and u go there in after 15 jully to 28th aguest cuz in this time u see lake before 15 july if u go there then lake r complete freez and u need tent and food with u,cuz in rati gali no hotels no gust house,and in rati gali lots of cold u must need jecket and sweeter,i hope u under stand ,if u want more information u cal me i will more guide u,Take care God bless u,my mobile number,0333,5507160

abdullah khawaja seri kalas		11-Jul-2012 17:56
welldone brother

vinay koul		24-Apr-2012 06:32
Thank you sir for sharing such a wonderful pics.

Sheedha		16-Apr-2012 18:10
Mr Kanwal Pandita, you are very misinformed and ungrateful person. You do not have accurate information and are writing rubbish based on your prejudices. FYI this historical place has been under Pakistani Army control for a while for the simple reason that no civilian body could take care of such an important site. They have maintained, repaired and researched this site. If it had remained in civil hands, it would have been long demolished and crops grown on the land. Please get your facts right and thank the people who have kept this site standing.

Guest		16-Apr-2012 16:03
These pictures are taken 10 years back.Now state of these ruins is in complete shambless due to harsh winter conditions and heavy snow falls every year and that too that its structure is losing its strength due to no maintaince.Now at main temple a hatched roof of grass has been put on but it can not preserve this monument.Time will very soon come when only sands of ruins will be here if Govt of India will not take any intrest in preservance of this temple. This neelam district is totally lagging basic amenities as it is a remote area and sharda is a small village with no attention of Govt Authorities. This is just one of the Pics of Saraswati Devi Shakti Peethas in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.This is also known as Sharada Peetha. Adi guru Shankaracharya paid a visit to Sharada Nilaya in Kashmir known as Sarvajna Peetha (the seat of the all knowing). Those who are not all-knowing are not entitled to sit on it; no one could claim to be an expert in any religion or philosophy without sitting on it. Shankara did not wish to show himself off as Sarvajna. He felt that Sri Sharada Nilaya with Sarvajna Peetha was by itself a place worthy of visit by all devotees. Besides, Kashmir is the crown of Bharat. So he resolved to go there, lest the ancient Hindu religion should perish there. There are four gates in four directions for entering Sharada Nilaya. Eminent scholars and philosophers had entered it from various directions and had established their scholarly merit But no one so far had adorned this chair of Sarvajna. And also till their no one had even attempted to enter the temple through the Southern gate May be this gate was waiting for Acharya Shankara. only who was from the South! Scholars of many group and communities were waiting for him in ‘ the premises of Sir Sharada Nilaya All were filled with a feeling of reverence to see him who was learned in both Jnana and Vijnana Yet the scholars in religious philosophies of Jaina, Bouddha, Samkhya, Yoga, Nays and Vaisheshika confronted him at the time of his entry to the temple, Shankara defeated all of them in philosophical debate and then entered the temple through the Southern gate. Acharya went to ascend Sarvajna Peetha. Sri Sharada, the presiding deity of all learning, herself set a test for him. Shankara passed this test also. After this the she Herself blessed him, proclaiming his omniscience. So say the ‘Shankara Vijayas’. We can take this to be an allegory of all the struggles Shankara had to face in his life. Ascending the seat of Sarvajna situated in Kashmir of the North is a symbol. The meaning of it is that Shankara reached the peak of spirituality. We can get an idea of his greatness from the fact that a person of just thirty had ascended the throne of all knowledge. And this temple is presently completly destroyed in the hands POK citizens.One belief is that knowing the future the Jagatguru brought her to Shringeri.Meanwhile the whole kashmir pandits and devotees of Sharada maatha are requesting POK Government permission for a visit to this shrine.It seems a Hindu Priest daily visits this temple and light a deepa daily.My knowedge also says that this is presently in the hands of PAK army and they are using the premises for military reasons.I dont think i need to specially mention what could be the status of this temple when it is in the hands of PAK. Once this temple was housing all old manuscripts of hinduism and budhism but that all is lost in conflicts of time.Even hindus in India are no more bothered about their religios places so all rests in the hands of Sharda mata........... Kanwal Pandita Achabal Anantnag Kashmir

Malik Abdul Quddous Awan		16-Feb-2012 04:23
Asalamo Alikum Very nice place. Those who forget their histroy , histroy also forget them. So please vist these kind of place. good work by hanif bahi. Take care Allah Hafiz

Guest		28-Dec-2011 07:23
Great Job, Excellent gallery

Akshay Shenoy		27-Nov-2011 07:13
A beautiful Place

ravi		29-Oct-2011 16:57
dear gharib very grateful for having uploaded these photos of goddess sharada matas temple though in ruins

kanwal krishen		23-Oct-2011 10:17
oldest university town still radiates knowledge and hope! hope should rekindle and radiate peace and spirtuality that emanated from the temple and university premises. our salutations to sharda's abode sharda vardha devi mokheydhata saraswati namaste namastee numo namah could more pictures be zoomed of the oldest university town! thanks mr gharib

Prof.Anil Bhat		22-Oct-2011 09:58
Ican not tell you how wonderful your work has been in terms of archiving perhaps the most eminent place of learning in north india at that ancient time. And Iam greatful personally as Iam perhaps one of the clan that used to worship and learn and teach there.My ancestors belong to Bandipora which was on way to Sharada and our family deity is Sharada Mata. As a kashmiri pandit, now I am perhaps forgotten but still we keep alive teaching and learning as our priority number one as a way to worship our Mata Sharada.

Guest		19-Oct-2011 17:17
thanks gharib for uploading the pics. its a sorrowful state the majestic temple is in now

imran		17-Sep-2011 04:05
discount bhimber ajk -

manan		24-Aug-2011 07:53
best

Dilip V Kamath		17-Jul-2011 06:22
Let us all come together to develop this place - the first University In the World, and to restore its lost glory - Dilip V Kamath

Guest		13-Jul-2011 17:32
nice place. good to see...

saud aziz from burewala		08-Jul-2011 12:43
kashmir is realy haven on earth

raksha		03-Jul-2011 06:19
So divine in nature . Awesome place .

PRATYUSH		28-Jun-2011 14:17
kashmir was always an integrated part of BHRATVARSH; because it was of aryans(hindus) it was an integrated part of ARYAVARTA(INDIA).

naddem rajppot		28-Jun-2011 04:17
i m muslim rajppt my grand father told me our acstors r hindus

Iqrar Raja		10-Jun-2011 13:46
hi all i see this place this is ver good place.iqrar.raja@hotmail.com

Gharib Hanif		21-May-2011 10:23
Sajid, Salaam, This temple is in Neelum Valley. From Muzaffarabad go to Attmuqam and then onto Sharda.

sajid		21-May-2011 00:08
salam where is this place please let me know sajid

Guest		10-May-2011 19:38
I want to share my experince of sharda visit in 2002. We were in naran And road closed for more than one month. Someone advised us to take nori Top route and reach muzaffarabad via sharda. This took 3 nights with All day driving to reach muzaffarabad.we were on 4x4 samurai jeep. Sharda was beautiful !! We spend one night in rest house of sharda Manager told me about the oldest university of the world

arun		05-May-2011 10:53
thanks for those pictures

asama Fida		24-Mar-2011 16:03
salam to all nelam vallye people,,s

M.A.Zia		09-Mar-2011 19:07
HANIF SIB Not only Sharda Templ we have many more historical places in kashmir but they are unknown like one in Village Mandhole near Hajira poonch A.K called (Dehra) any historian of the village can tell it's historical backround. any way you are doing great job motherland KASHMIR

Guest		09-Mar-2011 18:55
My dear country men not only Sharda Templ many more historical places are in Kashmir which are unknown like one in Village Mandhole near hajira Called( Dehra) people of Mandhole can tell it's histoty .

AJIT BHAT		04-Feb-2011 11:14
Thank you Garib for uploading these pictures, I was born in Kashmir, being a Kashmiri I feel dejected cuz d generations before me fought over petty land/religion issues neglecting this sanctum place which was a knowledge hub for the WORLD....... All I can say is If we keep on fighting, we KASHMIRIS are going to be lost in times to come.......... We talk a lot but on the ground level there is nothing............ but VACUUM.......... O Sons of Sharda............ Redeem your pledges...................

tahir		06-Nov-2010 14:57
this is the beautiful place of neelum vellay i like it too much and i confirm all government member to built up every thing of vellay.

Sanjay		18-Oct-2010 07:33
Dear Brother Jamil, What is the name of the temple? Can you post some photographs of that as well? Thanks for sharing the information with all.

jamil		06-Oct-2010 11:25
another same temple is situated in kotli district of azad kashmir

kishore hoysal		28-Sep-2010 13:37
Sharda temples is very important for followers of Shri Adi Shankara I request all the people to help in declaring this as international heritage and bring in to the notice of ucnesco to fund to restore this temple. I thank all my muslim brothers for giving an opportunity to see the devi mandir on net.

sanjay khushu		29-Aug-2010 02:55
history is there foe everybody to learn & set it right too. i think distorting history leads to confussions hence cause of non-developement. see all great countries have preserved artifacts collected all over the world. as history sheds light on the psychology of the nation & assist in proper precise plans thus always success. without history we are as good as animals.thank u all.

Naseem Amir		19-Jul-2010 05:57
Beautiful picture so beautiful

NAZIR		25-Jun-2010 10:32
NAZIR WHETHER SHARDA IS A BUDDHIST OR A HINDU TEMPLE

Basharat Hussain Adil Kuwait		24-May-2010 13:17
Dear Readers Please accept my salam. I agree with Maj.Gen that we should do any thing at any cost to save the heritage of KASHMIR. We the Kashmiri are losing our hertige nor India losing anyting neither Pakistan losing anything we are( KASHMIRI) the loser from both end.We have to determine for the protection of our culture our history our lanuage.This is the only to be known as KASHMIRI in the world.

Guest		15-May-2010 02:36
Maj Gen APS Chauhan This is a remarkable place ,a hidden history which has been revealed through this beautiful album. Human bigotry is the cause of vile destruction of mans creations . Kashmir has suffered from this as have so many other sites of learning and faith . We have to stop this penchant for destruction by returning to codes which respect human identity and achievement . It was ultimately a brahmin failing which did not ensure that faith is nurtured in protection of arms. The brahmin lost the essence trinity . We must bring peace to Kashmir whatever this may c ost. Good wishes

Sanjay		12-May-2010 13:45
Dear Garib, You have done a good job by arranging this gallery of photographs. Through this blog our aim should be to spread love, universal brotherhood, humanity, non-violence and respect towards all - irrespective of cast, creed, color and religion. Let us use this forum as a media towards friendship and suggest what we can do for upkeep and maintenance of the shrine now onwards. Past is already written in history which cannot be altered. Let us not harm any community in particular through this site. For universal brotherhood I suggest to remove lines pointing towards any community such as "It went into decline during the Dogra rule". Let us respect the Dogra community or any other community in this site. You are hardworking and always upfront to strengthen the inter-relationship between individuals, communities and hence countries. You will definitely keep the contents under your strict management so that no unwanted material which can harm the interests of any society, any further, is printed in this wonderful site. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this regard.

Sanjay Bhat		12-May-2010 11:53
Dear Khawaja Awais Geologist, Your comments are remarkable. I was expecting this type of hospitality from any resident of Sharda. You have invited the visiters throughout the globe to visit Sharda. For Kashmiri's this place is not a tourist spot to visit but a great place of reverence "Ziyarat". There are many places currently existing in Kashmir which are respected by people of all religions. Sharda is one of those places, top up in the list. You have, through your pure heart, invited the desiring souls to your peaceful native place. This is really wonderful. Please initiate a dialogue at your place with the local authorities regarding permission to visit by Kashmiri's living in other parts of the globe. It seems by the blassings from your native place you have the courage to lay the foundation stone in this regard. You have the power of neighbouring peace loving people of Sharda Mai with you to make this dream a reality. Again being the Geologist you can communicate with the Geological Survey of country in the best possible way for upkeep and maintenance of this Shrine. I wish you all the best for the forthcoming project.

Mudassar		27-Apr-2010 13:41
Jammu and kashmir is a not of intergret part of india it is never been a intergral part of india jammu and kashmir is a disturbit tarectry between india and pakistan it is more a part of pakistan than it can ever been india with all are. elecvants and with all her extravlents with worths.,people of jammu and kashmir sir is a part of pakistan ..in blood,in flesh,in life,thinking of art,in culture,in gaghraphi and in history and in everything ...

aslam Wani		25-Apr-2010 18:19
I may be a Muslim (I am proud to be one) but I must admit this complex was probably the greatest seat of learning of the Aryan race.

P.L.BHATT		15-Apr-2010 11:42
P.L.BHATT(ANDERHAMA) I am thankfull to see the Sharda Temple Photos.and request to please show the inner veiw including SHEELA original (stone)which was worsheped in those days and bleived as MAA SHARDA.

sreekanth iyengar		14-Apr-2010 07:23
Dear Mr. Gharib. thank you personally for such a beautiful post , and sincere efforts are appreciated in creating a bond between two nations that will share peace and harmony. one thing as sharda is for sharadha temple famous for its glory . and i like to remind that it is not for the regional people as kashmiris but i say it belongs to the whole human mankind , a place of learning .staying in south i offer my prayers to sharda let peace dawn in this beautiful place and change flourish . once again thank you for letting us to have a glimpse of this mother .thank you sir

Naveed Ahmed		10-Apr-2010 19:34
sarda waloo ko Naveed Ahmed and Riaz Khan ki taraf say salam qabool ho

Sanjay Koul		21-Mar-2010 13:12
Gharib Bhai, Tum vakey mey bahut amir ho. Today on this Sunday evening in a town in China living faraway from the place where i was born, i was wondering about my mother land.I was thinking of my childhood friend Muktar Yossuf and I was thinking of kashmir, our forefathers and went to the net on search of this ancient seat of knowledge. I ,loking at these ruins, am lost....lost as the kasmiriyat has been lost,lost as i wonder whom i belong to now,wonder that with such powerful heritage,what we have lost.I have promised to visit Neelum valley or Kishenganga,.The color of waters will not change with what ever name we call it, but the Kashmir has changed. The layers of history are slowly taking the Kashmir history into the depths of unknown. It would be futile to wish that Kashmir will change and honey will flow in Vitasta. In another 100 years, the original Brahminical order of kashmir would dye. But Gharib Bhai has helped us by puting these pictures on the net and THIS IS OUR PAST.

mu		03-Mar-2010 15:39
SHARD IS BEAUTIFUL AREA IN NEELUM VALLEY.SHARDA TEMPLE IS OLD .SHARDA IS HISTORICAL VILLEGE IN NEELUM VALLEY.IN THESE DAYS SARDA IS THASIL HEDQUATER OF NEELUM VALLEY SUROUNDED OF BIG HILLS mumtazafaqi@hotmail.com cell 0556711728

Guest		07-Feb-2010 10:47
Dear Thanks for the beutiful pictures and help for locating Maa Sharda Temple V B K Rao

Dr.T.C.NANAVATI		02-Feb-2010 23:07
Dear Gharib, Beautiful pictures ofthe temples.

Guest		12-Jan-2010 15:43
we should protect our heritage always it is our duty

Basharat Hussain Adil		17-Dec-2009 10:51
I agreed with Raiana Bhat we need to think as Kashmiri not as Hindu or Muslim this is the only way we can save our culture and heritages.We want to be KASHMIRI in the map of world.I think the new genration of Jammu and Kashmir has huge responsabilty to save the history of Kashmir and they can do it only with the unity.

R.K.Raina(Bhat)		15-Dec-2009 11:07
Some of the caretakers of Sharda Temple were Tez Bhat(my great grand father, ...... Nand Bhat(Nand Shard) my grand father, my father Sri Kanth all were borne in Sharda, brought up there, I am not so lucky. I have seen the agony in which my father have undergone throught his life. I am here but my heart mind remains there although I have heard stories only. I think we should raise above the lines of religion and see Sharda Temple as the basis of all Kashmiris irrespective of whether he is a muslim or hindu. In fact I would like to suggest that Sharda Temple Should be made a Falg Ship of Kashmiris because every one of us has a bit of Sharda in ourselves(Kashmiris). Before Sharda Temple is lost, I think we should think of restoring it, the best way we can pay tribute to our forefathers as every ethnic group does on this earth. Please make efforts to restore Sharda Temple before it is ruined due to divide of Kashmiris(Hindus & Muslims). I think both Hindus & Muslims appear to be a minute infront of Kashmir. Think about Kashmir, Kashmiris. Thanks

Basharat Hussain Adil		29-Nov-2009 17:02
Is it poosible for our kashmiri brothers living otherside of LOC.can add some pictues of HAZARAT BELL and Chara Sharief.I thik we should think as Kashmiri not as Hindu pandit or Muslim.All of us know very well who destroy the history.culture and the heritage of Kashmir.When all resident of subcontinent can be recognice by the name of their state why not KASHMIRI wether they are from any part of Kashmir.I belive the day will come we all Kashmiri will be recognise as Kashmiri. Basharat Hussain Adil of Tararkhel AJK.

Sabiha		22-Nov-2009 11:06
I have been to Sharda and visited this plce also. I was very impressed by the beauty of the place.

Sanjay Bhat		20-Nov-2009 13:31
Dear brothers, All definitely love their Motherland. There is no question in this regard. Let us all try to make an effort in a combined way so that such shrines are not made as an agenda in the politics. I think there is no harm to anybody if a deserving soul quenches its thirst by having “Dharshan” of any such shrine irrespective of location or country. Human beings from all walks of life should be allowed to visit such great places of worship. I know all those people who are residing near the shrine or in the valley will be pure of their hearts. That is the reason they are living in such a treasure of the World. Dear Garib, you have already done a courageous job by taking such important photographs. By the help of residents of Neelam valley you can definitely approach the local government to open gateway for visit of thirsty souls to the shrine. I feel confident that such great people of Neelam Valley will also take an initiative in this regard. We wish you all the best for this forthcoming project as well.

Khawaja Irshad		05-Nov-2009 10:38
Hello! My brothers and sister listen... I love kashmir Please help Jammu Kashmir and help kashmiri pepole. OK

Khawaja Irshad		26-Oct-2009 10:06
I am Khawaja Irshad Khaliq from B-Block Gulberg-II WASA LDA Mari bohat sari guzarshat ap nain add nahin ki guzarish yahi hai ka neelum valley "Dawarian" or "Rati Gali Wali Side ki tasaweer add karain main app ka maskoor rahon ga.

sadhia		25-Oct-2009 16:29
beautiful pics sik piks xx

sagher khawaja		13-Oct-2009 13:59
kash k ye pictures garmi k mosam meien li gayee hoti to kia maza ata viewers ko but phir bhi logon ney buhat pasand kia ain pictures ko sharda is very beautiful place in neelum district. well done my dear

Mohan Ram		29-Sep-2009 05:55
Thanks Mr.Gharib, Everything in this world is subject to change, we desperately try to preserve them against time, You have done an excellent step in this regard, wish that this will give it life for some more time.

Saif ur Rehman		18-Aug-2009 06:33
Sharda a beautiful place situated in NEELUM, a glimps of paradise on earth

Narendra		11-Aug-2009 14:14
First of all, as a student of history, I salute Garib Saheb for this excellent work. Readers from both sides of the Neelam/Kishen Ganga have made excellent contribution by giving appropriate links.I thank you all. My only request is, please let this be historical and archaeological forum. Politics harm amity between participants who have genuine interest in finding common heritage and preserve monuments we have come to share through several millennia.

Khawaja Awais Geologist		07-Aug-2009 18:38
nice job by gharib, u explore the hidden treasure sharda preserve the humanity and is the source of knowledge 2000 years ago. i belong to sharda but i cant do this effort. it is a trmendous job. thanks gharib and we welcome visitors in the land of mai sharda with nice tourist village and hope u will inspired by the shardian's hospitality.

mumtaz malik dudhnial		29-Jul-2009 16:45
neelum is very beautiful.it is haven of earth MUMTAZ AFAQI ABUDABI I AM LIVING IN DUDHNIAL

Abdullah		21-Jun-2009 06:31
Just saying that it is a university did not satisfy the quest, may you give more details about the monument from the history or people in the area I just visited the area with my friends. They are all eager to know more about the area, can we develop some tourism in the area, what are the errands and blocks if some body wants to visit from out side Pakistan, any special permissions required, I will some one guiding us for hoteling and tourist resorts in the area. Abdullah

Zahid Bashir(Shani)		05-May-2009 11:52
Asslamoalikum! I am Zahid Bashir (Shani) from Bhimber Azad Kashmir now i m here in Abu Dhabi and i m very miss our Country Kashmir is most beautiful Place on the earth.I am very thanksfull to u for this great jobe and very dificult work beacuse not easy to do this.Allah always help u.I m puled his eye how seen bads minds my Kashmir.

khawaja abdul ghani		24-Apr-2009 16:36
thanks Mr, hanif this is your great effort.

Swaran Singh		27-Mar-2009 03:50
Let us not make this page a debate of hatred. Christians have been more cruel and murderering invaders to their victims. This message is for Alfred Cast. Dear Sir , we the people of Kashmir want to unite culturally and move forward in a democratic system. People on either side have no hatred for each other. Its only the rulers fighting for power and territory. Swaran Singh

harikaul		27-Jan-2009 06:33
Great effort, one can never escape history. The Sharda temple has a special significance in the evolution of the Kashmiri Pandits as an intellectual identity.It is the ancient site of learning in the subcontinent.The script of Kashmiri language is also called Sharda and the script has been named in the honour of the Presiding deity of the temple i.e the Goddess Sharda- the Goddess of learning.Even to this day the Saraswat Brahmins who migrated to the other parts of India due to the successive intrusions and invasions of the religious zealots from Kashmir make their prayers, while the yagnopavit ceremony(putting on the sacred thread) by chanting the sloka-Namastey Sharda Devi Kashmirpura Vasani (salutations to the goddess Sharda who has her abode in Kashmir). Kashmir's association with Hinduism is very old. The very name Kashmir derived from Kashyapa, one of the seven Rishis in Hindu mythology. Kashmiri Pandit are an ancient people and are often mentioned to to be the purest of Aryans. All evidence points that this Race had its origin from the Vale of Kashmir and its neighbourhood. Moreover, many ancient epics refer to Kashmiri Brahmins as people of great learning. Kashmiri Pandits have made significant contributions to thought and science. Abhinavagupta, Kalhana have been stalwarts in the fields of, philosophy and history respectively. Kashmir figures prominently in Sanskrit poet Kalidasa's compositions. The birth place of Charaka one of the founders of ayurveda and Indian medice in general is also considered to be in Kashmir. Many Sanskritic scholars and poets (i.e. Bilhana, Mahimbhatta, Ksemraja, Vasugupta, Anandvardhana, Ksemendra) were Kashmiris. During the period of Islamic rule of the Kashmir valley, hundreds of Hindu and buddhist temples in Kashmir were destroyed.9 As a result, Kashmiri Pandits gradually migrated to other parts of India to escape persecution. Many Kashmiri pandits and buddhist were forcefully converted which in time resulted in Kashmir becoming predominantly Muslim. The devastation wrought by the Turkish general from Turkmenistan Zulju in 1320, during his conquest of many regions of Kashmir Valley was especially noteworthy. Sultan Sikandar Butshikan (1389-1413), the seventh Muslim ruler in Kashmir, is known for his oppression of non-Muslim populations, which caused many Kashmiri Pandits to leave the Kashmir valley.[1] Historians call him an idol-breaker (or iconoclast) and he is said to have killed several thousand Kashmiri Pandits and/or forced them to convert to Islam or flee.[2] Sultan Ali Shah and others followed suit.[3] There have been a few Muslim rulers who were tolerant towards the Pandits, however they were not able to ultimately alleviate the plight of the Pandits. This can be ascertained from the fact that the Pandits never rose to their pre-Islamic glory and that their population in the valley continued to decrease over time. From the 14th century due to the growth of Islam and forced conversions into Islam their numbers in the valley began to diminish and the Muslims by spreading Islam began to outnumber them.

Raj Nehru		26-Jan-2009 05:28
I am excited to see these pics.Thanks Hanif. I think such historical masterpieces demonstrate universal brotherhood.They symbolize the spirit of oneness and remind us that the history had no such controversies that we live today in ,i n fact it reflects on how our ancestors lived with the spirit of lighting the lamp of learning & knowledge . I feel proud to be aprt of this enlightened region. Thanks again, May the almighty bestom wisdom of our ancestoral thinking on all of us so that each one of us, irrespective of the side of the border, live with love, peace & happiness. Raj Nehru

Malik Bashir Murad		16-Jan-2009 18:06
Hello: well done Gharib Hanif u have done a tremendous job Sharda is my native place .Its natural to love home town.I am thankful to u for provinding important information to the world and opeing a channel for discussion about Sharda. There is a need to bring facts into light about this matter.My father is also working on this subject and all the visitors are invited to exchange informations on my email address: bashirmurad@yahoo.com with best wishes , Malik Bashir Murad

syed qasim ali		08-Jan-2009 01:15
vinod how can you say that people in IOK are living better life then those in AZAD Kashmir i am from mirpur AZAD Kashmir and i live a peceful life i dont see any soldiers killing anyone here unlike in IOK on world media (not only on pakistani tv).

syed qasim ali		08-Jan-2009 01:13
vinod how can you say that people in IOK are living better life then those in AZAD Kashmir i am from mirpur AZAD Kashmir and i live a peceful life i dont see any soldiers killing anyone here unlike in IOK on world media (not only on pakistani tv).

saeed arshed		06-Jan-2009 09:10
i m feeling myself wandring in such a beautiful vallies while i m here in Dubai .

Vinod Koul		23-Dec-2008 19:12
Hanif, I Live in Kashmir.I think some one has given you wrong picture of Indian Kashmir Muslims in Kashmir are better well of than rest of India & far far better than POK & Pakistani Muslims.Muslims in India enjoy freedom, Friday prayers are offerd on roadside & all the roads aproaching to mousqes are closed for two hours.India respects all religions & for your information doubble the population of pakistan lives in Utter pradesh only.

Alferd Kast		13-Dec-2008 04:55
Dear Gharib, Kudos to you. but it bseems to me, you are one of the same fundamentalist's of the Muslim Community. You have an inclination to praise the blood thristy Muslim rulers and invaders. Do not forget the fact, that Agan rulers-Maharjganj, and many others used to carnage the hindus. And is well documented history, muslim preachers and rulers ruled and converted with blood and sword. Don't read the history, understand it with the open mind. Again Hats off you you.

NOMAD IN HIS OWN LAND		12-Dec-2008 16:15
Hats off to you Mr. Gharib, for doing a wonderfull job of preserving the Identity of Culture and Tradition. You have done a admirable job, by informing all kashmiris about sri Sharda Mandir and snap shots, oh great, nobody ever seemed to see this, as a unbreakable wall is formed between India and pakisthan. Many a time we curse our politicians about creating such wall, but in fact we people are also no angels. I have read all the comments and got a horrible impression, the hindus are blaming muslims and muslims are blaming hindus. About the comment conversation between you and Arjun. Arjun seemed to blame muslims for mass exodus of himdus, and you blamed hindus for problems to muslim community. In fact if you can quote an example about Dogra rulers, then you might also be knowing Afgan rulers, 13-april-1913, maharajganj, hindu carnage. 1986 hindu carnage. You are calling AJK, india are calling POK, and people from pakisthan are calling IOK (refer to comments). you also need to define your attitude. Somewhere Hatred exists between us common people, however how much educated we are. If we see at the devlopments and living standard of people between both the divided parts, then only we should decide. Live the nomads life. I AM NOMAD

DR. S.N.PANDIT		19-Nov-2008 08:41
WHERE LEARNING COMES THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN HINDU MUSLIM VANISHES.HINDUS AND MUSLIMS EXIST ONLY FOR UNREALISED SOULS. I APPRE CIATE THE INTEREST GENERATED AMONGST HISTORY LOVERS. FOR GENERATING THIS SPIRIT I CON GRATULATE MR. GHARIEB.

sunil Koul		18-Nov-2008 06:17
it is pity that the Governments & prople of Indian subcontinents ( India, pakistan) are only sowing the hatred among people. being a kashmiri pandit I was very happy to see the Pictures of this temple. If Governments cannot preserve the Anicient Monuments they have no right to be there. I request the Government of Kashmir to seriously think about restoring the our anicient pride.

Utkarsh		17-Nov-2008 04:47
Glad to know that so many muslims care for there pre-muslim heritage.Thanks to Gharib Hanif

MUHAMMAD RASHEED		10-Oct-2008 12:55
HYE DEAR, NICE JOB DONE BY U, I ALSO BELONG TO SAME VALLEY, 'SURGAN' IS MY VILLAGE, BUT I LIVE IN LAHORE N HAVE A SERVICE, 4 MORE THAN 30 YEARS, ALSO WISH 2 HAVE A COMPLETE ALBUM ......... TAKE CARE!!

Ankit		26-Sep-2008 06:18
Hey Garib, I was curious to know about sharada temple.Thx for uploading the pics and reminding us historical temple

Vamsi		28-Aug-2008 18:22
Hi Garib, Thank you for sharing the photos. I feel temple should be rebuilt and university be established for enabling learning of vedas and upanishads at the feet of our holy mother of Learning Sharada Devi. Funds required can be raised voluntarily across the world. Pakistan should allow all peace loving people to visit and allow worship at this holy place. Let peace be on you.

Gharib Hanif		26-May-2008 14:01
I wonder what Arjun means by 'give us our kashmir back'? Kashmir in 1947 was 75-80% Muslim and was ruled by a cruel and barbaric ruler whose cruelties are well documented. In fact it was the upper 5% echlon of Dogra population which ruled over 95% of people. The people of Kashmir did not have any kind of rights and were subjected to the most horrible of treatments. In fact I would say that only Hitler surpassed the cruelty of the Dogra rulers. More, Arjun objects to the name of Azad Jammu & Kashmir which the people of the land have chosen and are happy with. Arjun sitting thousands of miles away is objecting to this based on his ancient fantasies; what right does he have to dictate to the people. For his information the taking of AJK was prompted by the local people and was not an external invasion. I know this because I hail from the epi-centre of the anti-Dogra revolution that started in 1947 where the locals took up arms and reclaimed their own land.

arjun		26-May-2008 10:30
Dear Mr. Hanif, Great job!Thanks. The only thing which I would like to point out is- that it should be Pakistan Occupied Kashmir instead of Azad kashmir used by you(My be you are a Pakistanis s..). Kashmir originally belonged to us(Hindus), who were driven out or converted by force by the muslims. Also the Azad kashmir was given due to indian laxity at the time of pathan raid. Muslims need to realize that just like they feel bad when muslims are driven out from Israel(Though 50 % Land is still with them)- what about human rights of other people. If islam /muslims prohibit existence of other people(Which I dont think so, Islam is a peace loving religion and a very beautiful one- I mean it )- it is a very serious matter. So the muslims should take this guilt and ownership of what they have done and and give us our kashmir back.

rajinder bhat		21-May-2008 11:57
Dear Gharib Hanif Thanks a lot .You have done wonderful job.You might not believe that how much happy I am today.It is grealy a great moment for me & my family. I belong the same badnaseeb family of kashmiri Pandits who used to live in the same village till 1948. This mandir is my Kuldevi & my elders used to look after this. My elders left this in 1948 after the war.We didn't know as what had happened to this after war. Thanks a lot as I have traced my roots . Pls provide me information or Pics if you have. It is my last wish to visit someday to my old roots before my death. May God bless You.

amit kaul		01-May-2008 12:02
Dear Mohd. Akbar Sahab its great to know that u belong to Sharda University. may i request you to send me all the information you have regarding shardha university, shardha temple . i would be greatful to u. warm regards amit kaul e-mail ; amitkaul2@rediffmail.com

muhammad akbar		29-Apr-2008 18:28
I belong to this place where the university exist if any one need any information i can provide

Guest		18-Apr-2008 12:51
sharda is a beutiful and historical place in Neeum Valley Azad Kashmir. Sharda has his great history through the age of Budhmat. Sharda is situated neat Kael Village. i had visted sharda many times.it is such a beautiful and historical place. Regards Shafiq ahmad shah taooahmad007@gmail.com

Autar Krishen Mota		07-Apr-2008 17:01
Dear Gharib Sahib Thanks a lot for publishing the pics. Being a Kashmiri Pandit i am spell bound to see the seat of learning of my ancesstors . God bless you God bless the effort and may god shower grace on you as you have made people to go for E pilgrimage to SHARDA the ancient seat of learning in Kashmira. Thanks dear Gharib sahib u made me sentimental and emotional Autar Krishen Mota

aru		22-Mar-2008 11:20
According to tradition, the temple and the attached institution (Sarvajna Pitha) was renowned for its manuscript collection about a 1000 years ago. Sri Shankaracharya acquired the title 'Jagadguru' only after he had answered all the questions posed to him by the scholars of this temple. Sri Ramanujacharya travelled all the way from Tamil Nadu to consult the only available manuscript of the Bodhayana Vrtti - the earliest commentary on the Brahmasutras, before he wrote the Sri Bhashya. The place is presently also called Sharadi in Pakistan.

Zeeshan		12-Mar-2008 10:31
I invite all visitors to www.rohtasfort.com another historical place.

Zeeshan		12-Mar-2008 10:30
Gharib, good job appreciate your efforts. Although I don’t have any historical relation with the temple but I have been listening, writing, reading, describing and visiting the site during my official assignments when my the NGO organization for which I used to work, carried on some developments projects in the area. The distance from Islamabad is of about 230 KM and it takes 10 hours from Islamabad to reach Sharda traveling of a very rough and small road any many KMs along with the LOC where you can easily witness the Pak-India borders. I have read the comments above and my feedback and suggestion to you is to come up with a website of Sharda so that we can have picture and text of all available information collected and arranged at one place. I also have text, information and pictures and I am also a web developer and can provide you with complete support even bearing the cost of domain and hosting. Zeeshan Email: sgg1983@gmail.com, Cell: +92 300 850 1983

Venkat		07-Mar-2008 10:17
Dear Hanif, Its a great one that you showed the oldest university of India. I was so happy seeing the remains of Sarada temple which was once the torch of Kashmir for knowledge and Adi Shankaracharya came to this place which is the last step in his journey of vedantic life. I appreciate once again. Hope one day i visit this place and hope a warm welcome form that part of the kashmir. The history of thsi place is rich in various aspects hope the people keep aside the fight and work on digging the history. I wish once day this place will be restored and made as university for learning.

Surender Bhat		22-Jan-2008 05:10
SURENDER BHAT Dear i like this siprit of humanity and diversity as to how you are being the glowing torch for the rest of the human race. God Bless You my dear Freiend I just want to see the whole world at a single platform

Kashmiri Babu		22-Dec-2007 19:34
Gharib a wondeful and enlightening look at our beloved Kashmir (certainly the AZAD side). Thank you. AZAD - Afterall only those that remian can decide about being occupied not those that have deserted. Whilst most contributors have a Kashmiri background or religious attachment to the site its a shame that Shiv Sena fascists are trying to deny that right to us. We are the descendants of those temple builders. The hatred in Mr Dogra's comments speaks volumes on his twisted mindset. Even if it was Muslim invaders it was not necessarily the local Muslims. Shock horror we are not Afghans or Arabs, we are the true descendants of this land. Religion is of the heart and some of our ancestors who were Buddists or Hindu's, for whatever or however chose not to be any longer. Most contributors of all backgrounds are very sensitive and seem to have a view that irrespective of history all monuments should be preserved or saved (unlike Ayodya). Perhaps those Indians who disagree could start with the Red Fort, Taj Mahal etc No I thought not after all they are symbols of the nation ireespective of who built them, just as this is a sysmbol of our heritage and we do not deny others theirs. Salaam.

akshay		04-Dec-2007 08:03
Hi Hanif, I should appriciate your efforts.... could u plese tell me about more hindu monuments in Pakistan ???

RamaKrishna Reddy		26-Nov-2007 01:45
Pakistan should allow to rebuilt this Sharada temple and allow a university to be established at this ancient center of learning. This will establish much needed peace and stability in the region. It can take help of peace loving citizens for funds. Thanks for sharing Garib hanif

Taimoor Azam Lone		20-Nov-2007 16:39
Aslamjoalaikum kashmiri brothers and sesters i m so far from my country i mean kashmir and i m just visiting to this website wich show's my intrest about my land my mother kashmir m living in watrod hertfordshir in london here is my E-mail address.......... taimoorlone1@yahoo.com .............................ur brother Taimoor Lone

Sri nurugan		03-Nov-2007 12:22
Preserve heritage by all means. it's a meaningful deed for posterity Murugan

SURENDER BHAT		31-Oct-2007 10:52
My Dear Gharib Hanif sahab I am a migrant from the valley of great saints and shrines but i was never able to see the sight of this great university of old times, and i am thankfull to inmates of that valley who have preserved this costless worth of our old/ancent heritage.

M.Rafiq Awan		17-Oct-2007 16:31
I visited the velley and found it as heaven on earth.

M.Rafiq Awan		17-Oct-2007 16:28
i am resident of Balakot the velley of martyers.I personally visited the area and found it amazingly beautiful.

Rizwan		03-Oct-2007 23:45
I am a Kashmiri from this area in Azad Kashmir (yes, I speak KASHMIRI), and while this shrine is important to Pandits, why should they be able to visit this shrine while we Kashmiri-speaking Muslims on the Pakistani side of the LOC are forbidden from visiting Hazratbal and Char-e-Shareef? This temple is important for the Kashmiri Hindus, but shrines which are important to Kashmiri Muslims are off limits for us Kashmiri-speakers that ended up in Azad Kashmir. If they want to come to this shrine, then we should be allowed to go to our shrines as well.

Sardar Bashir A. Karom		22-Sep-2007 18:52
An Excellence will never be achieved without life in the light of history. Our Kashmiri history has very rich history to explore from abundance.

Iftikhar Shehzad		15-Sep-2007 14:56
Salam Everyone, Amazing photography gharib bhai, answering Noreen Hashmi's question No this Temple is not the one is near Nakyal. i have the one you are referring too but i don't know what that was called. we may need to discover the history behind that temple as well. This sharda temple is in Neelam Valley which is near Kargill. i hope that answers your question. regards, iftikhar England

erika kurniasih		12-Sep-2007 03:35
all views of ur pic are really great .........

Ramesh Hangloo		11-Sep-2007 11:44
Regards for your effort. Ours is an organisation christensd as Pir Panchal (cultural ,social ,envirnmental,educational &sports) Oraginazition & we have been making awareness about the ancient places of reverence & requesting Govts of India & Pakistan to allow delegations of people who have faith in Sharda to visit .But how do these Govt,s conceed none knows. Recently i meet Prime Minister Sardar Atik khan & I was pleased he gave a long assurance ,but did not reply my mail latter.May be you can remind him so that i receive reply. RAMESH HANGLOO (President of Organization)

syed ali		06-Sep-2007 22:48
As a proud Azad Kashmiri hailing from Mirpur, I resent the term POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) often employed by most Indians to refer to AJK. A place is occupied only if the inhabitants of that place feel so, Azad Kashmiris call our selves Azad Kashmiris proudly, and Pakistanis twice as proudly. The only occupied Kashmir we know is Indian Occupied Kashmir. Please refrain from calling OUR place occupied. We would know and say so if it were occupied.

Guest		15-Aug-2007 15:45
I am from south of india. My name is srinivas. In Karnataka also there is temple of sharda called Sringeri. It is very beautiful place. Is there any idol of sharada in Kashmir, the pics you are displaying on web site. Adi Guru Shakaracharya, did he came to this temple. Any idea?

kaleem khan		27-Jul-2007 03:52
aslam-o-alikum! dear brother i like to see my villege picture and there people p. its biutiful place i love BALAKOT very much .

krishan sharda		24-Jul-2007 08:42
i am also sharda caste if any another sharda see this page then plz contect me bcoz its our kuldevi's mandir all sharda's respect this temple

babar rasheed		17-Jul-2007 12:22
LOVE YOU GHAREEB..................... U HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.................... I FELT LIKE I AM BREATHING IN THE SAME PLACE AS I SEE YOUR PICS.... ITS REALLY A HEAVEN LIKE PLACE........................... i used to visit kashmir once in a month on a bizness tour infact i am a corporate manager for haier pakistan pvt ltd a home appliances airconditioning and reff company i am also interested to have friends from the indian side kashmir some times i will visit kashmir and will c those places where we can c the true nature of GOD MY E MAIL IS babrr@msn.com

arn		12-Jul-2007 05:29
i am back from sharda..with fresh pics ,a vedio and a first person account....

AMIT KAUL		14-Jun-2007 09:26
WHAT ABOUT SHARDHA MANDIR AT KALUSA BANDIPORA REGARDS AMIT

javid iqbal		09-Jun-2007 11:49
dear haneef ,aslamu alicom,you have done agood job.i am from same vally but in indian side gurez'what a beautifull vally Allah has given us,but what are we doing here?we all know ,are we sowing the seeds of Islam in our new genration ;why our new genration,is not under standing,why,our genration are ignoring to go marriage what is obstical to our Socity,is it only due to western eduaction .or for future desirs we are bosting that we are muslims but in practicle.........?

Sharda Devi		02-Jun-2007 01:01
My parent's named me after this temple, I hope I can visit this exquisite place one day.

Zeeshan		22-May-2007 10:57
Good pics, I have visited this site a week back and found it very exciting. I have played cricket there.

Chandra Naidoo		25-Apr-2007 08:10
A great site to visit, especially as I am doing research regarding the provision religious information among South African Hindus. Chandra Naidoo

Surindera Raina		18-Apr-2007 10:20
Dear Garib Sahab, Aadab, I am Greatly moved by the efforts you have made for us to view the TEMPLE OF GREAT LEARNING through your photographs. Being a Kashmiri Pundit , i only knew that there used to be Sharda Script for the Kashmiris, nothing beyond that. History changes with the times, Rulers Change, Generations Change, No present Generation will try to accept whys and hows if you discuss these . Decades have passed, when the partition took place, but one should be thankful to the brotheren across the line of control, who still have left this place well protected, and we only hope that the place of learning which used to be a pride of Kashmir irrespectine of any cast , creed or religion would be well maintained after doing necessary repairs whereever required. With Regards and Aadabs for all the brotheren across the border. SURINDERA RAINA

Nancy Ganju		02-Apr-2007 15:21
Dear Garib Hanif, A great effort & contribution from your side to remind us about our cultural history. A movement needs to be launched by all Kashmiris, irrespective of the faith followed, for its maintenance & preservation. It is the root of civilisation of Kashmiris.

Meenakshi		30-Mar-2007 14:22
Can you please give some more details about sharda ji and the people who used to live there before 1947...........

abdullah		20-Mar-2007 10:52
great work one hing stop fighting who do this and who didnot . wether the muslim history is concern they apear very liberal in the history what i have learned from history that muslim never destory such biuldings . so please be clear , give the sugesstion how to save it . four years of this forum no body bothers to visit there and find solutions , people looking behind for there identity so work for your identity come on gays , work for your identity ... .... you should presentyour stuff not to admire the others . so be active .............

AKSHAY KOUL		20-Mar-2007 03:11
I APPRECIATE UR EFFORT AND I SALUTE U PEOPLE

kuldeep Thusoo		12-Mar-2007 18:36
Respected Sir, Knowing about Shardha Ji for me is as important as sun is for earth. Ours was the only Pundit family who resided at Laderwan, Duduniyal near to shardha Ji. Our family used to serve all the pilgrims visiting this wholy shrine...and had also build an inn there. But we had to move from there at the time of Qbaili Attack in 1948. It is needless to say how important it is for me to know more and more about it. I will be greatfull to you if you can provide me some information about the people who lived there before 1947. I'll be thankful to you. Yours Kuldeep Thusoo

Arvind		21-Feb-2007 17:36
Hi gr8 effort by u i personally thank you for th job. with one request can we download the pictures.

Jareen Radetof		13-Feb-2007 16:47
We need to have an annual pilgrimage to Sharda on the lines of sikhs visiting Nankana Saheb

Yamini Kaul		04-Feb-2007 13:53
Dear Sir, I am a delhi based journalist and i would like to undertake a study of sharda temple as part of an ongoing project. Could you please guide me through as to how can I reach the temple and how can I work on the project? I would be grateful.

Nirupam Sarda		15-Jan-2007 12:31
I am a Sharda by cast and am indulged in my quest for ascertaining the antecedents of my fore fathers about whom I had come to know that they had some place in Maharaja Kashmir's office . Even the scripts of Pandits at Haridwar contained information of our family tree for last 5-6 generations. But with this great work by Gharib I have been able to corelate existence of my forefathers. Thanks Nirupam Sarda

zaman		08-Jan-2007 10:19
i am still not sure about one aspect. Was Sharda a budhist temple or a hindu temple? did xuanzang visit it? xuanzang the famous chinese monk who travelled to india to collect budhist relics in 600 AD

Guest		08-Jan-2007 10:16
good information. But i am still confused. Was sharda temple a budhist temple or a hindu temple. I think Xuanzang , famous chinese monk who travelled around 600A.D to collect budhist relics, may have visited sharda too. any confirmations?

raja sajjad khan		17-Dec-2006 17:19
We have visited this temple,there was also University at that time in which Budh religon,logic,science and philosphy was the subject.it is good that it is saved in earthquake.We want to maintain this kashmir development organization (KDO)

KAMAL PANDITA		15-Dec-2006 11:02
DEAR GARIB A GREAT WORK DONE BY REVISITING THE GLORIOUS PAST OF KASHMIR CULTURE.Sharda was a place of great learning for centuries. A great seat of learning was started during the Buddhist rule and continued through Hindu and Muslim rule. It went into decline during the Dogra rule and subsequent period. The temple is said to be Sharda Devi, a Hindu goddess revered especially by the Kashmir Pandit community. But due to negligence and poltical disturbances we asians were not able to restore the ancient monuments of past. We are wiping out the glorious past.super power countries are sowing the seeds of hatred and engaged us in the battle field of death. These pictures all remind us of the glorous past.A history un sung and lost some where and buried in the ruins of destructions........ with lot of love KAMAL PANDITA Nagdandi-Achabal -Kashmir

Dhar		19-Sep-2006 06:47
I have been tryin to get my hnds on "Raj Tarangi"....I have already tried some online websites & some book stores, But wasn't even able to get any info. bout the same....can some body assit me to procure the Holy Bible of Kashmiri Pandits(Raj Tarangi)....

SAMIULLAH AZIZ		11-Sep-2006 17:30
ATTENTION ASSALAM U ALIKUM DEAR SATYENDENDER HANGLOO ASKING ABOUT REFRENCE OF SHARDA IN RAJ TARANGNEE . IN RAJ TARANGNEE THE KALHEN STARTED PRAY WITH NAME OF SHARDA TEMPLE IN FIRST 5 TO 7 PAGES OF RAJTARANGNEE WE CAN SEE NAME OF SHARDA TEMPLE SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS KARACHI

satyender hangloo & mineet qazi		27-Aug-2006 04:54
u done sme fine work for we people.Is there any reference of this temple in rajtarangni-by KALHAN ?

Avais Haider		11-Jul-2006 10:14
Assalam-o-Alaikum (Peace on all of you), First of all I want to appreciate the great efforts of Gharib Hanif. You really did a great of inspiring people minds & hearts with Nature. Sharda is really 1000% more beautiful as of these images. I really love Sharda & Neelam Valley. I felt in love with Sharda when I saw its one of its picture in Tourism Center in Muzzaferabad (Azad Kashmir) in 1998. At that time I did't beleive it was earth, it was looking like paradize. So I decided to visit Sharda. There are 2 ways to reach Sharda, one from Muzzafarabad (12 hours) and Second from BalaKot Via Kaghan, Naraan, Lalazar, Noori-Top and Jalkhad. http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Pakistan/East/Northern_Areas/photo255231.htm). When we started our journey 'Kargil War' started and Sharda is near to Kargils but I love nature and in Sharda love we went through Naraan way, very difficult route. Even in one segment I have to travel on ammunation truck. But as I reached 'Sharda' I stunned and didn't beleive I am on this earth. And thought how much the God will be beautiful.......... I never forget the color of grass, it was so fresh and parrot-green. And combination of Neelam river (Indians called it as Kishan Ganga) makes its amazing. If you have time then I suggest pls. visit this part on Heaven on earth.....

Ranjith		20-Jun-2006 07:52
Hi I thank atlast POK Government for allowing KAshmir Pandits to visit the temple.But its not only kashmir pandir but every body should be given access.I feel the person who was speaking abt AZAD kashmir doesn't know the history.I request him to kindly update his knowledge through internet and not through the books available locally. Look at the temple completly destroyed.What a pity once it has gone out of our hands.I request somebody to visit and let us know the status of the deity and temple

vinod vishen		16-Jun-2006 17:14
Dear Gharib Thank you for making it possible for me to see pictures of this great temple of our ancestors. This is our common heritage and we must preserve it. one fine day when we will come out of this age of bigotry we will be so happy to be at this temple together again. God bless you.

Zeeshan		16-Jun-2006 05:44
I like it so I be visiting it soon

PRANAV KAUL		30-May-2006 08:20
its an exceptional work doe by you to kasmiri hindus or may be to the muslims even . this is one of the best part of kashmir i have ever seen in my life on the net

FURQAN KHAN		26-May-2006 18:21
assala mu alikum sir IAM ARCHITECT AS A ARCHITECT A CONGRATULATE ON THIS GREAT EFFORT . YOU SHOULD TRY TO ADD MORE HISTORY ABOUT THIS TEMPLE AS SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS GIVE GOOD KNOWLEDGE FURQAN KHAN FINAL YEAR STUDENT OF N.E.D UNIVERSITY ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT KARACH.

Dalip Langoo		25-May-2006 17:58
Dear Gharib Hanif You have not amended as I had requested as it is in the best intrests of all those who love SHARDA. For your information DISCOVERY channel has made a documentary film on SHARDA MANUSCRIPT of Kashmiries and recently almost more than a THOUSAND scholors, professors have learnt the LOST MANUSCRIPT SAHRDA and a group is actively working for its revival.

ananya		20-May-2006 10:42
marvellous place

rinku thusoo		09-May-2006 07:24
sir it is a great effort by u........can i get any knowlege about the people especially the pundits, who lived in this valley b4 1947 ?

SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS		07-May-2006 08:51
ASSALM U ALIKUM I GIVE LIST OF HISTORY BOOK OR NAME OF HITORIAN WHO WROTE ABOUT SHARDA . IT IS HELPFUL FOR PERSONS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HISTORY OF SHARDA UNIVERSITY. 1. RAJ TARANGNI WRITER KALHAN (OLDEST HISTORY BOOK OF INDIA). 2.TAREEKH HIND ...... ALBERUNI 10TH CENTURY 3.TAREEKH WRITTEN BY BALHAN. 11TH CENTURY 4. JONRAJ. 5.ABUL FAZAL FAZI (HISTORY BOOK) IN 16TH CENTURY. 6..A VISIT OF KASHMIR BY STAIEN . 7.GAZEETER OF KASHMIR BY BATES. 8. SADA-E-NEELAM ATHMAQAM ,1979....1997...2000 ..... 2006 9.PARBET NEELAM VALLEY NUMBER AJK. SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS

SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS		07-May-2006 08:36
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT SHARDA UNIVERSITY. WORD SHARDA. SHARDA IS THE WIFE OF BERHAMA, ALSO NAMED SARSOOTI . SHARDA IS THE GODESS OF EDUCATION. SHARDA AND KASHMIR : IN PAST KASHMIR ALSO NAMED SHARDADESS. BECAUSE KASMIR REMAINED THE CENTRE OF EDUCATION OF BUDDHIST AND HINDUISM. IN 78-123 BC KANSHAK THE KUSHAN KING MADE KAHSAN VALLEY(NEELAM VALLEY) CENTRE OF BUDDHISM . THE NAME OF VALLEY ALSO ON KUSHAN TRIBES. HE FOUNDED SHARDA UNIVERSITY IN 1000 BC IN NEELAM VALLEY(KASHAN GANGA VALLEY). SHARDA UNIVERSITY WAS THE CENTER OF RELIGION , LINGUSTIC AND POLITICS. IN KANSHAK RULE THE SECOND BUDH COFRENCE HELDED IN SHARDA. AFTER THIS CONFERENCE BUDHISM DIVIDED IN TWO PARTS. LIKE TAXLA UNIVERSITY IN SHARDA UNIVERSITY CREATED OWN SCRIPT CALLED SHARDA SCRIPT. THIS SCRIPT USED IN KASMIR FOR A CENTURIES. IN 14TH CENTURY WHEN ISLAM SPREAD IN KASHMIR KASMIRI LANGUAGE WAS WRITING IN SHARDA SCRIPT. THREE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE OF USES OF SHARDA SCRIPT PRESENT TODAY . GREAT SAINT SHEIKH MAKHDOM HAMZA 'S TESTAMENT WRITTEN ON "BHOOJ PAPER" PRESENT IN ''SRINAGAR MUSEUM ''. MAHABAHARAT WRITTEN IN SHARDA SCRIPT. IN 19TH CENTURY BRITSH RULER TRANSLATE BIBAL IN KASMIRI ,USING SHARDA SCRIPT. SHARDA SCRIPT GOVERNMENT SCRIPT IN 8TH TO 11TH CENTURIES IN KASHMIR. TODAY SHARDA SCRIPT PRESENT IN "ENCYCLOPEDIA BARTANICA" . LAST YEAR PTV ALSO TELECAST VEDIO FILM ABOUT SHARDA UNIVERSITY. SHARDA LIBRARY ANOTHER EVIDENCE OF SHARDA UNIVERSITY. IN HISTORY BOOK THE OF SHARDA LIBRARY ALSO PRESENT. ACCORDING TO "STALEN" THE GUJRAT KING HUMACHNDRA IN 1088-1172 AD WRITTEN FIRST ENCYCLOPEDIAND WITH HELP OF 70 THOUSANDS BOOKS .THESE ALL BOOKS WAS TAKEN FROM SHARDA LIBRARY. ALBARUNI ALSO TAKEN HELP OF SHARDA LIBRARY FOR "TAREEKH HIND". HE COULD NOT GO SHARDA BUT PANDET OF SHARDA WAS FRIEND OF ALBARUNI. STALEN WHEN TRANSLATED RAJ TARANGI ,HE ALSO MENTION THAT ZAINUL ABIDEEN UPDATE THIS LIBRARY IN 15TH CENTURY. THE SHARDA SCRIPT , SHARDA LIBRARY,AND RUINS OF BIG WALL OF SHARDA UNIVERSITY ALL ARE CRYING "IN PAST THERE IS A GREAT CENTRE OF LEARNING WHICH IS SHARDA UNIVERSITY . IN RAJ TARANGHEE KALHAN TOOK START WITH PRAY OF SHARDA. HE ALSO SAID SHARDA IS THE CENTRE OF BUDDHISM AND PEOPLE COME HERE ALL OVER ASIA SPECIALLY FROM BENGAL. ( RAJ TARANGNEE).THE RUINS OF SHARDA UNIVERSITY WALL ARE ALSO WONDER OF THE WORLD. IN WALL 7 FEET LONG AND 4 FEET WIDE BLOCKS OF STONE WAS USED . THAT BLOCK INTER LOCK TO EACH OTHER WITHOUT ANY PLASTER. ALSO USING HERE GOLDEN MEAN FOR PLAN OF WALL. IN STAIR OF SHARDA UNIVERSITY A STAIR HAD 63 STEP . THE NO 63 HAS RELIGIOS IMPORTANT IN NEPAL AND CHINA. ARCHITECT SAMIULLAH AZIZ MINHAS KARACHI. DEPUTY EDITOR MONTHLY MALOOMAT KARACHI.

INAM UL HAQ AZIZ MINHAS		07-May-2006 06:41
ASSALMU ALIKUM GREAT EFFORT TO REDISCOVER OUR HISTORY . INAM UL HAQ AZIZ MINHAS NAZAR ABAD DAWARIAN SAREE.

SHAFI MINHAS		07-May-2006 06:35
ASSALAM U ALIKUM DEAR GHARIB I HAVE NOT WORDS TO ADMIRED YOU . YOU WON MY HEART . GOD BLESS YOU. SHARDA IS NOT ONLY A TEMPLE IT IS OUR HISTORY SHAFI MINHAS KARACHI OF NELLAM VALLEY .

Khawaja A Rehman		05-May-2006 09:11
great!!!!!! you have done really a great job. Sharda is identity irrespective of creed and caste

Nadeem Qureshi		22-Apr-2006 13:19
As a proud Azad Kashmiri hailing from Mirpur, I resent the term POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) often employed by most Indians to refer to AJK. A place is occupied only if the inhabitants of that place feel so, Azad Kashmiris call our selves Azad Kashmiris proudly, and Pakistanis twice as proudly. The only occupied Kashmir we know is Indian Occupied Kashmir. Please refrain from calling OUR place occupied. We would know and say so if it were occupied.

WASEEM AZIZ MINHAS		21-Apr-2006 16:11
SHADRA IS THE DAVI OF KNOWLEDGE . Kanshak the Kushan king founded Sharda university in Sharda tahseel neelam valley . The old name of neelum valley is kashan kanga valley which is taken from kashan tribe, who ruled from afgahnistan to kashmir.The great Kasmiri king Zain-ul-Aabdeen also visited Sharda temple in 1430AD . He had made library in shadra temple . Albaruni also admiring Sharda temple in TAREEKH-E-HIND.SHARDA SCRIPT IS ALSO INVENTED BY SHARDIAN SCHOLARS IN SHARDA UNIVERSITY . STALEN ALSO VISITED SHARDA TEMPLE.. ( REF: SADA-E-NEELUM ATHMAQAM 2006, KARACHI, ADD: NEELUM MANZIL R-56 SECTOR 5/A/3 NORTH KARACHI PAKISTAN) WASEEM AZIZ MINHAS DAWARIAN NEELAM VALLEY: KARACHI-

Gharib Hanif		19-Apr-2006 10:13
Amit, you need to polish up on your history. The Dogras were very much responsible for the decline of this learning centre. And if Muslims were so hell-bent on destroying this place, it would not exist today. As it happens this temple was left intact even during 1947-48 troubles and is now maintained by the govt. Curently there are no Pandits in AJK but there are political iniatives to allow Pandits from IOK to visit Sharda.

Guest		19-Apr-2006 05:08
Why you distort history, you said this temple went into decline in Dogra Rule, but in one of the posts above you said it was destroyed by Muslim Invaders.. why you speak half truths, second some Pandits saying that they want to visit this palce but how many pandits live in Azad Kashmir Sir? The fact is with Dogras the Hindu culture was revived in J&K other-wise muslims left no stone unturned to destroy the pandits who now are praise-wothy as above.... From Amit Dogra

Vijay Kaul		18-Apr-2006 08:36
It is a great effort by Hanif to document SHARDHA temple on the WEB. Congratulations!! It shows his sense of historical and cultural continuity, forgetting wedge of religious hate. The Government will serve a great historical need in case the place is renovated to its pristine glory. India has an Archeological department that preserves monuments irrespective of faith and creed. The POK govt. should do likewise. It can be source of revenue generation and will aid tourism bringing much needed succour to the downtrodden and poor local population of this beautiful valley.

Guest		07-Apr-2006 09:28
Dear Garib It was nice to see all great efforts which u have done. I am more happy to see all community of Kashmir are joining together and putting up their views about this. Is it not possible you can get some of the scripts of Sharda with meaning. I again thank u for your efforts and my love to my entire kashmiri sathi Rakesh

abdul nasir sharif		06-Apr-2006 09:57
i can,t belive that this is kashmir i realy love and like it

sanjay		18-Mar-2006 09:41
Hope to visit this place.

umayr		11-Mar-2006 21:08
My question, is this place still standing after the earthquake? I really hope it is ..

Ram		06-Feb-2006 08:50
Kudos to Pakistan for allowing people from India especially Kashmiri Pandits to visit their revered Sri Sharda Temple.

ashok zutshi		04-Feb-2006 07:04
What an effort,Sharda is a base of kashmiri culture simmilar efforts should be taken to revive sharda script of kashmiri language which is our own .Please Keep your noble efforts on anything i could do will be done immediately.

nura		28-Jan-2006 18:24
kashmir is so beautiful. the earthly paradise.

Dalip Langoo		28-Nov-2005 05:22
Dear Garib Well done! I request you to correct the first para that mentions SHARDA being started by Buddhists. This is not true as SHARDA is the ruling Goddess of that area that belong to Kashmiris and later all followed that is history. ((((Sharda was a place of great learning for centuries. A great seat of learning was started during the Buddhist rule and continued through Hindu and Muslim rule. It went into decline during the Dogra rule and subsequent period. The temple is said to be Sharda Devi, a Hindu goddess revered especially by the Kashmir Pandit community. )))) In our community we still practice rituals that are directly connected to the Goddess SHARDA. In another way our age old traditions are still alive no doubt we have become the scattered community and can't perform the rites in groups that is where we have threat to this rare cultural heritage. Your effort in this direction is highly appreciate and you deserve all praise. Keep your noble efforts on any help from our side will be reciprocated immediately. May Goddess Sharda bless you! Dalip Langoo

Guest		26-Nov-2005 14:31
www.savesharda.org

arvind dhar		26-Nov-2005 10:59
great effort,one can never escape history and sharda is a base of kashmiri culture simmilar efforts should be taken to revive sharda script of kashmiri language which is our own not borrowed from persia or india

V. K. Kashkari		25-Nov-2005 08:22
The humanities are recognised by its history, philospy, theology and literature.If it misses one,that will be end of everything. Sharda is Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge, proper diction and speech. The place ,Temple or University is a symbol for kashmiri pandits to be Pundits. The heritage site is to be preserved for the generations to know their ancestrally.

Guest		20-Nov-2005 22:24
is this temple in kotli

malcolm		10-Nov-2005 23:19
this is a message for s k raina below... I went to Sharda this year (july) to do just that (start a library for spriritual and scientific learning)...... if you want to discover more please mail me (mj_mcewen at hotmail)

correction		02-Nov-2005 11:34
The ‘Sankhyayana’ commentary of Vinayaka Bhatt also mentions that scholars visited this place for discussions, religious disputations and for higher learning. The Chinese traveller Huvan Chwang has also written about this temple and pointed out that scholars and sages visited this place. In the fourteenth century this temple was highly damaged by the Muslim invaders. It was repaired and renovated in the nineteenth century during the regime of the Dogra Kings. At present this area is in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (As the history mentions about the place.)

s. k. raina		02-Nov-2005 07:51
There is a need to re-establish the paradise on earth. One way would be to rededicate this place for learning and sending out message of peaceful co- existance.

Noreen Hashmi		02-Oct-2005 16:34
is the the sharda temple on the other side of nikyal on the mountain known as karjahee? can anyone answer that

Sardar Aftab A.Khan		03-Sep-2005 09:57
Its a great contribution in rediscovering our culture and history. The diversity and multireligious coexistance in Jammu Kashmir make it paradise on earth.

Chris Sofopoulos		09-Aug-2005 10:18
Beautiful place and great architecture!!

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