SRINAGAR, INDIA, April 8, 2007: Hundreds of devotees thronged a temple here today which reopened after a gap of 18 years, with locals providing assistance to its management for the reopening. Worshippers reached the 700-year-old Mangleshwar temple dedicated to Lord Siva at Baba Demb where a havan (fire sacrifice) was organized for peace.
Surinder Kumar, who was looking after the management of the shrine said, “It is due to the joint efforts of Pandits and Muslims that the temple has been reopened for regular prayers.” He also lauded the Jammu and Kashmir government for providing facilities to repair the temple. A body would also be established for managing the affairs of the temple. Authorities have also made adequate security arrangements at the temple. A police team has been deployed at the entrance of the temple.