Kashmir, March 26:
In a landmark event marking a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh and Yuvrani Chitrangada Raje Singh visited the Sharda Temple at the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal today, March 26, 2026.
Accompanied by key members of the Dharmarth Trust, the royal couple’s visit on the eve of Navratri is being hailed as the first historical visit by members of the Dogra dynasty to this sacred frontier site since the partition of the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir state in 1947.
A Spiritual Homecoming
The Yuvraj and Yuvrani—the son and daughter-in-law of former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr. Karan Singh—were accorded a warm traditional welcome upon their arrival. The reception began at Swami Nand Lal Ghat on the banks of the Kishenganga River, where they were received by Ravinder Pandita, Founder of the Save Sharda Committee, alongside local Kashmiri Pandits, the Sikh community of Tangdhar, and local residents.
After participating in a soulful Aarti at the Ghat, the delegation proceeded to the temple complex.
Highlights of the Visit
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Special Puja & Hawan: A group of Brahmins traveling from Karnataka performed a special Hawan and Puja to mark the auspicious occasion of Navratri.
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Interfaith Harmony: Demonstrating the pluralistic fabric of the region, the royal couple also paid obeisance at the Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Gurudwara located within the same complex.
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Community Bhandara: The Yuvraj and Yuvrani joined pilgrims in a community kitchen (Bhandara) organized by the Save Sharda Committee.
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Infrastructure Inspection: Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh visited the Yatri Niwas (rented accommodation for pilgrims) and expressed his deep appreciation for the newly constructed temple, which stands as a symbol of the revival of the ancient Sharda Peeth civilization.
“It was the maiden and historical visit of members of the Maharaja dynasty since the partition. Their presence here today reinforces the deep-rooted connection between the people and their spiritual heritage,” stated Ravinder Pandita during his address to the gathering.
The Significance of Teetwal
The Sharda Temple at Teetwal serves as a vital link to the ancient Sharda Peeth, one of the most revered seats of learning in South Asia, currently located across the LoC. The reconstruction of this temple in recent years has turned Teetwal into a burgeoning center for border tourism and pilgrimage, reviving a circuit that remained closed for over seven decades.
