In a significant cultural and religious event, the Uma Bhagwati Temple in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir reopened after more than three decades. The ceremony, graced by Union Minister Nityanand Rai, marked the culmination of extensive restoration efforts to revive this revered place of worship.
The idol of Mata Uma, brought from Rajasthan, was ceremoniously installed amid the chanting of hymns. The reopening has stirred deep emotions among local residents, including Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, who view it as a symbol of communal harmony and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Nityanand Rai expressed confidence that the temple would attract a large number of devotees. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the development and cultural integration of Jammu and Kashmir, envisioning a prosperous and peaceful region.
The Uma Bhagwati Temple holds a special place as an ancient shrine where devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir have historically gathered to seek blessings from Mata Uma Bhagwati.
Nestled in the serene embrace of the majestic Himalayas, Uma Nagri in Uttarasoo, Anantnag district, serves as the sacred abode of the revered Mata Uma Devi. This enigmatic temple holds profound religious significance, rooted in local belief that Hindu goddess Uma chose this celestial location as her sacred dwelling.
Known locally as Brari Angan, the temple transcends its role as a mere place of worship (Sidh Peeth), weaving together legend, spirituality, and the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.
According to local Hindu lore, the Mata Uma Devi Temple uniquely manifests the divine. The goddess is symbolically personified as a river forming Omkara, representing the entirety of the universe, with the aid of five springs. Two of these springs converge, symbolising the union of Bhagwan Shiva and Maa Parvati (Shiv Shakti), a sacred communion revered by devotees.
Over time, the site has evolved into a popular religious destination where pilgrims seek blessings from the deity, Uma Bhagavati. Devotees believe the goddess deliberately chose this Himalayan location, fostering a spiritual connection between the divine and the earthly realms.
Swami Swaymanand Ji played a pivotal role in the temple’s reconstruction, preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Annually, the shrine commemorates two pivotal events: Uma Jayanti, observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksh Navmi, and the Nirwan Diwas (death anniversary) of Shree Shiv Ram Koul Jalali (Swami Shivananda Ji), the founding Mahant of Mata Uma Bhagwati shrine, on Pusha Shukla Paksh Pratipada.
These occasions feature Maha Yagya rituals that draw thousands of devotees seeking blessings from Mata and Guru Maharaj. Organised by the Mata Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust, these celebrations underscore the shrine’s enduring spiritual legacy, supported by devotees including those in exile in Jammu after the community’s exodus.
Legend has it that Shree Shiv Ram Jalali, later revered as Swami Shivananda, underwent a profound spiritual transformation upon arriving at Brari Angan in Uttarasoo in 1772. Initially a Revenue Collector (Kardar) under the Afghan Governor of Kashmir, Haji Karam Dad Khan, Shree Jalali’s deep devotion to goddess Uma Devi led him to forsake worldly pursuits and journey to her abode in Uttarasoo.
Despite the challenging terrain, guided by divine visions, he reached the secluded forested area where five springs—Brahma Kund, Vishnu Kund, Rudhra Kund, and Shiv Shakti Kund—form the Omkara shape. Under a Deodhar tree, he initiated meditation and lit an eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti) that burned until the community’s exodus in 1990, known as Dhooni Sahib.
Word of the saint’s spiritual dedication spread, prompting local officials to report to the Kashmir governor. Despite summons and deployment of armed soldiers, the saint’s divine protection in the form of two lions led to a miraculous encounter that impressed the governor. As a gesture of reverence, he granted 1600 Kanals of revenue-free land and a forest strip (now known as Beat No. 68) for shrine maintenance and pilgrim accommodation, establishing Brari Angan (the cat’s compound) and Uma Nagri.
In 1782 A.D., Shree Shiv Ram Koul assumed the name Swami Shivananda, initiating a tradition of investing a boy from Kelam village with the sacred thread (Yagneopavit). This sacred tradition continued until the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in 1990. The last living Mahant, Sh. Swami Satyananda Ji, passed away in exile in Jammu, symbolizing the temple’s enduring spiritual heritage amidst historical challenges.
In the early 19th century, several Mahants dedicated themselves to enhancing the shrine, overseeing the construction and refinement of its current form. The Diwan Khana, an ornate structure housing the Mahants’ quarters, kitchen, and dining hall for residents, staff, and visiting devotees, was erected on the ground floor. The first floor accommodated a conference/pravachan hall, Mahant and attendant quarters, and guest rooms, while the second floor served as storage for fuel and provisions. This expansive building became a focal point for dignitaries, Sadhus, and devotees alike.
Adjacent to it stands a two-story Dharmshalla featuring five ground-floor rooms with a front veranda and a spacious Hawanshalla connected to a communal kitchen on the first floor for rituals. Nearby, the smaller Dhoni Sahib, measuring approximately 30ftx30ft, housed the perpetually burning Akhand Dhoni and a Shiv Lingam for worship, alongside relics of Swamiji. A 15ftx15ft pond, 6 feet deep with steps on two sides, received water from the main springs of Devibal via a pipe, facilitating pilgrims in their purification rituals before worship.
Tragically, the entire complex suffered destruction during the period of militancy post-1990.
However, through communal efforts and donations, the shrine complex was fenced, and from 2012 to 2014, the temple underwent restoration. Despite these efforts, significant maintenance work remains, including rebuilding the Hawan Shalla, installing a stormwater drain to prevent flooding, and laying tile flooring and paths throughout the complex.
The upkeep of the shrine and its extensive property is overseen by the Mata Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust, established by Lt. Swami Satyananda Ji.
Uma Nagri has become a beacon for spiritual seekers and tourists alike. Beyond the revered temple, the area boasts other renowned spots such as Kokernag, Daksum, Verinag, Achabal, and the lesser-known Chattapal. These nearby destinations offer visitors a chance to explore the natural splendour and cultural richness of the region.
