Srinagar, Oct 18 (KINS): The two-day pilgrimage to the revered Shri Bala Devi Temple in Balhama concluded with traditional puja, havan-yagna and a renewed commitment to preserving Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The yatra was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Kshatriya Samaj. Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA from Udhampur East, lawyer, columnist and philanthropist, and Zorawar Singh Jamwal, president of Team Jammu, participated in the concluding religious ceremonies and called for the preservation and wider recognition of Kashmir’s ancient spiritual traditions.
Pathania described Kashmir’s ancient shrines as repositories of history, culture and spiritual wisdom, saying their significance extended beyond geographical, religious and temporal boundaries.
“Kashmir’s spiritual treasures need to be revered, researched, rediscovered and preserved. They carry messages of universal brotherhood, spiritual enlightenment and coexistence. Their significance goes beyond physical structures; they represent a civilisational inheritance that belongs to humanity,” he said.
Referring to the distinctive features of the Balhama shrine, Pathania highlighted its five sacred deodar trees, traditionally associated with an ancient sacred spring, and the sacred shilas linked to Tripura Sundari and the Shakta traditions reflected in Kashmir’s religious literature.
Jamwal said such sites represented collective memory, faith and tradition and deserved greater attention through historical research, documentation and conservation.
“These are not ordinary trees, stones or structures. They are repositories of collective memory, faith and tradition. Their spiritual significance and the historical narratives associated with them deserve serious study and wider recognition,” Jamwal said.
He emphasised the need for a collective commitment to preserving sacred sites through scholarship, conservation, pilgrimage and inter-community understanding.
‘Today, Balhama; Tomorrow, Sharada Peeth’
Reiterating the broader objective of the pilgrimage, Pathania said the initiative aimed to reconnect people with Kashmir’s ancient spiritual traditions and civilisational roots.
“Today, Balhama; tomorrow, Sharada Peeth. Kashmir’s spiritual treasures belong to humanity and must be restored to their rightful place in our collective consciousness,” he said.
Pathania also expressed his resolve to work towards facilitating pilgrimage to the revered Sharada Peeth in the Neelam Valley, in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), through peaceful and lawful efforts when circumstances permit.
“Our resolve is to establish a permanent channel for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth and to lead a yatra there when circumstances permit. We want these sacred connections restored through peaceful, lawful and sustained efforts,” he said.
Referring to the damage and disruption suffered by religious sites and traditions during periods of fanaticism and terrorism, Pathania said the response should focus on preservation, scholarship, mutual respect and coexistence.
“The answer to hatred cannot be hatred. Our response must be preservation, scholarship, pilgrimage, mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to coexistence,” he said.
Balhama Residents Highlight Spirit of Coexistence
The welcome extended to the pilgrims by local Muslim residents of Balhama was highlighted as an important example of communal harmony. Their role in protecting the shrine during difficult years of terrorism was also acknowledged during the event.
Pathania said the community’s gesture conveyed a message of shared humanity and respect for religious traditions.
“When people stand together to protect a place of worship, they protect the dignity of an entire civilisation. This is the true spirit of Sarva Dharma Sambhav—respect for every faith and protection of every community’s right to preserve its sacred heritage,” he said.
He added that Kashmir’s history should be approached with openness, historical rigour and recognition of the contributions made by people from different faiths.
Emphasis on India’s Tradition of Religious Pluralism
Pathania placed the message of the pilgrimage within India’s long tradition of spiritual pluralism and coexistence, referring to the Vedas and Puranas, Emperor Ashoka’s legacy, the ideals of the Ramayana, and the interfaith intellectual engagements associated with Emperor Akbar and Dara Shikoh.
He said India’s philosophical traditions had encouraged dialogue, ethical conduct, respect for different paths and the pursuit of universal truth.
“The message of coexistence is not an expedient slogan. It is rooted in our civilisational inheritance. The protection of one community’s shrine by members of another community is an expression of our shared humanity. Balhama offers an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen that spirit,” he said.
Officials, Community Leaders Attend
The concluding religious ceremonies were attended by senior police and administrative officers, representatives of the Dharmarth Trust, community leaders, local residents and pilgrims.
Those present included Purshotam Pathania, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust; Sheikh Ajaz, DDC Khanmoh; and Sewa Singh Mankotia, retired SP. They appreciated the Kshatriya Samaj’s initiative to reconnect people with their sacred heritage and promote the preservation of Kashmir’s religious and cultural landmarks.
The organising team included Samar Singh Rana, Secretary Sheikh Singh, Ban Kotia, Yashpal Manhas, Surjit Singh, Sarpanch Vikram Singh, Sarpanch Himmat Singh, Deep Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Shubham Sharma, Purshotam Singh, Chain Dehati, Bharat Chand, Anmol Bandral, Ravinder, Avinash, Gurdev, Lochan Singh and Mangat Ram, along with a large gathering of local residents and community members.
The two-day yatra concluded with a renewed pledge to preserve Kashmir’s spiritual heritage, strengthen inter-community harmony and continue peaceful efforts to facilitate pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth.
“Our mission is not merely to revisit sacred places; it is to rediscover the wisdom they embody, protect the heritage they represent and carry their universal message to future generations. Balhama is a beginning. Sharada Peeth remains our resolve,” Pathania said.(KINS)
Havan-Yagna marks conclusion of two-day Bala Devi Balhama Yatra Pathania calls for preservation of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage
