Muslims help rebuild centuries-old Shiva temple in Ajmer
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AJMER: It's a living example of reconciliation between two communities. The khadims of the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz Chishti lent a helping hand to reconstruct an age-old Shiva temple, barely 400 metres from the main shrine in Ajmer.
On the left of the main Nizam Gate, tucked in a corner, lay the ruins of a centuries-old temple of Shri Pipaleshwar Mahadev till last year. However, now a magnificent temple stands at the site, built by the labour of both Hindus and Muslims.
"Due to neglect, trees and bushes had crept inside the temple premises," says Manu Darshan Soni, a resident of Khajana Gali.
"Only a few who were aware of the importance of the temple went to worship there as the idols had been damaged over a period of time," says Ram Lal Sankhala, a local.
The locals had wanted to repair the temple but the costs were too high. "There was a time when the temple had great importance and shopkeepers even from Naya Bazaar used to come to worship," remembers Naurat Mal, an old resident in the colony.
Nearly eight months ago, Naurat took the initiative and asked others to collect money to repair the temple. "However, the contributions were not enough," a social worker, and a local resident said.
Soon, the news of rebuilding the temple reached the khadims. "It was unanimously decided that since we are here for the service of the Khwaja, it would only be right on our part to pitch in for the construction of the temple," says Sayeed Ibrahim Fakre, former member of state minority commission. The khadims along with some minority organisations generously contributed to rebuild the temple.
"For us every place of worship is to be respected," says Munover Chishti, assistant secretary of Anjuman Yadgaar.
Be it marble flooring of the temple or decorating the entrance gate, people across communities took part in the construction of the temple. "They not only helped financially, but also regularly visited the site to inspect if the work was going fine," says Naurat Mal.
"We organised a shashat dhara' this sawan, and Hindus as well as Muslims who contributed for the rebuilding of the temple attended the function," says Seema Shrivastav, a local resident. "These days arti and religious functions are regularly organised in the temple where many devotees take part," she adds.
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Citizen: Let the leaders learn from the ordinary people!
Read more: Muslims help rebuild centuries-old Shiva temple in Ajmer - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Muslims-help-rebuild-centuries-old-Shiva-temple-in-Ajmer-/articleshow/6667970.cms#ixzz11D1YkDB8
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