New Delhi: The famous Shiv Temple also known as Maharani Temple or Rani Temple in Gulmarg was destroyed in a blaze, on Wednesday. Despite a rapid response from locals and police, the early morning fire spread too fast to control, authorities reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown with investigation going on to uncover the origin of the blaze, authorities added. Fire department officials said that the blaze would have started around 3:30 am. The 106-year-old temple is well known among tourists as it has been featured in many Bollywood movies. One of the Bollywood movies is ‘Aap Ki Kasam’, where the temple was seen in its most famous song ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ starring Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna. Terrible news from Gulmarg in Kashmir. Devastating fire engulfed the historic MahaRani temple in Gulmarg overnight, reducing it to ashes. You might remember the Jai Jai Shiv Shankar song of Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz picturised in the backdrop of this temple. This is so very sad. pic.twitter.com/wy7lofOONU — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 5, 2024 Netizen reacts Social media users commented their thoughts while some shared memories from their last visit to the Rani temple. One user commented, “This is just the beginning Hindus, wait and watch for what you have called this time. You haven’t failed Modi, you have failed Hindutva.” Meanwhile, the second one said, “It’s the beginning of a very difficult tenure ahead!” On the other hand, someone who hoped to see the temple restored soon, said, “Very sad! Hope it is restored asap.” Maharani Temple of Gulmarg in north Kashmir situated at the top of a hillock was a famous tourist spot. It was built by Queen Mohini Bai, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh in 1915. The temple was considered as the royal temple of Dogra dynasty of Jammu & Kashmir. Later, the military unit at Gulmarg with the help of locals, renovated the iconic temple.
