Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 29: A deputation of Jammu Heritage Society (JHS) led by its president, Bhuvneshwar Gandotra today met Dr Karan Singh, sole Trustee of Dharmarth Trust, J&K and submitted a memorandum drawing his attention to development and promotion of temples of Jammu, especially Shri Raghunath Temple.
The deputation drew attention of Dr Karan Singh to the fact that Shri Raghunath Temple is the largest complex of Northern India dedicated to Lord Rama, the construction of which was started in 1835 by founder of J&K State Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.
Bhuvneshwar Gandotra stressed that this temple complex was and is still the major place of worship of Royal family and very popular among locals, tourists and religious pilgrims, especially of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He said that Yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered incomplete without offering prayers at Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, a tradition which has started fading with passage of time.
To promote this historical and religious complex, it was suggested by Gandotra that the five ‘Kalash’ of the temple seen from outside should be illuminated in a big way and so should be the entrance. He further suggested that a musical fountain, a laser light and sound show should be started in the complex and lighting should be done on the pattern of Prem Bhavvan in Vrindavan.
“A Trade-Mark for Shri Raghunath Temple a souvenir and hoarding displaying Raghunath Temple shall promote the heritage of this complex in a big way and depict Royal Dogra grace of Maharaja in style for the present and coming generations,” he further told Dr Karan Singh. A power point presentation was also made by the society and an Album on Raghunath Temple presented to Dr Karan Singh by the society members.
Dr Karan Singh, who was accompanied by Dharmarth Council member YV Sharma and Mubarak Singh assured the deputation that necessary action shall be taken after calling a full meeting of the Dharmarth Council.
The deputation was comprised of Baldev Khullar (ex-president, JHC), Sanjay Mahajan (secretary), Ravinder Mittal (executive member) and Vinod Malhotra (vice-president, Dogra Khatri Sabha).