SHARADA PEETH

Nov. 30, 2018

In the aftermath of inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor, Kashmiri Pandit groups are making a similar demand for pilgrims to Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control.

About:

  • Sharada Peeth is an abandoned Hindu temple and ancient centre of learning.

  • Location: It is located in the village of Sharda in the valley of Mount Harmukh, along the Neelam River in the Pakistani administered territory of Azad Kashmir. It lies 16 miles to the northwest of the Line of Control.

  • As a centre of Learning:
    • Between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, it was one of the foremost centres of higher learning, hosting scholars such as Kalhana, Adi Shankara, Vairotsana etc.

    • It is also said to be where Paṇini and Hemachandra completed and stored their writings on Sanskrit grammar.



  • Religious significance:
    • Sharada is the most revered religious place for Kashmiri Pandits. They believe that Sharada in Kashmir is a tripartite embodiment of the goddess Shakti: Sharada (goddess of learning), Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), and Vagdevi (goddess of speech).

    • It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas throughout South Asia that commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.