Exploring the lesser talked about Hindu Temple in the heart of Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – The Maharani Temple

Jammu & Kashmir is an absolute witnessing paradise on earth. With the most picturesque landscape that feels too good to be true or real, Kashmir is absolutely astonishing. Gulmarg is our personal favorite and we find ourselves going back to Gulmarg all the time. Snow-clad mountains, the simplistic and minimalist lifestyle of the locals, authentic Kashmiri cuisine, a nice cup of Kahva Tea, and we are right at home. It’s strange how a tourist destination can have an impact like this.

Gulmarg is a small town but a people’s favorite in the Baramulla District of Jammu & Kashmir. You can find people engaging in skiing and snow sports. If you ask us, we believe that Gulmarg is God’s favorite child amongst the other beautiful cities and towns of Jammu & Kashmir. Why do we say this? Surrounded by the Pir Panjal Range and the Gulmarg Wildlife sanctuary, the town is a small little stunner.

The Official languages of Gulmarg include Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, and English. If you notice Dogri, it comes from the dynasty of Dogras who ruled Jammu and Kashmir for a long time. While Dogra Rajputs are majorly located in Jammu, a lot of the architecture comes from the Dogra Dynasty. The Maharani Temple is one such example.

The Maharani Temple in Gulmarg: A fresh perspective on a Century-old Legacy.

The Maharani Temple was built by Maharaja Hari Singh for his Wife- Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia. The Regional Dogra Kings own the premises of this temple and the temple was more frequently in control of the Royals. The Temple is in dedication to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is also famous as the Mohineshwara Shivalaya. The temple sits beautifully on a small hilltop with very few or as good as no other structure insight around. With the cloudy mist surrounding the lush green mountains, the temple is as close to one of the most peaceful divine places in Gulmarg as it gets.

One of the most simple yet stunning features of the Maharani Temple is the fact that the temple is visible from any high altitude spot in Gulmarg. It is almost like the presence of the temple across the town was kept in mind while strategically placing and building the temple on this small hilltop. How did a stunning location like this go unnoticed by the eyes of Bollywood? Well, it did not. The Maharani Temple is featured in the song Jai Jai Shiv Shankar in the movie ‘Aap ki Kasam’.

Timings of the Temple: 6 am to 9 pm. No entry fee is charged for the visitors but certain restrictions prohibit the use of cameras, carrying weapons, wearing, etc.

Unity in Diversity: Truly Leading by Example- The Maharani Temple and the surrounding areas:

Whenever we think of Kashmir we often connect the traditions and culture of the region with the Islamic Religion. However, Kashmir has a diverse population with even Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs living in the state. The Maharani Temple recasts important issues like why we see faith through the lens of religion one follows. In fact, what might come off as a surprise to you dear traveler is that the caretaker of The Maharani Temple is a Muslim Man named Ghulam Mohammad who has been looking after the temple for nearly 30 years now. Ghulam Mohammad has read and knows both Hindu and Muslim Religious prompts and the guiding doctrine of the cultures the Bhagwat Gita and the Quran. What’s more? The Maharani Temple area is the only one that has a mosque, church, mandir, and gurudwara in the same region.

The Restoration effort of the Jawans of the Indian Army:

Also, for the longest time, the Maharani Temple had not been renovated or restored even as the condition of the temple had already drastically deteriorated. Here’s where the Army Battalion of Gulmarg comes into the picture. The Indian Army took the restoration of the temple into their hands. Moreover, they made sure that this project was a success with a little help from the civil administration of Gulmarg. The Commander of this battalion stated how this temple stands for so much more than just a culture’s religious beliefs and faith. It stands as an example of Kashmir’s pluralistic culture and the love every Kashmiri has for every culture and religion.

Thus, the Maharani Temple represents the true essence of Kashmir, or as one would call it Kashmiriyat. And let us assure you, it is the best definition of beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and faith is a bigger picture than one’s religion.

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