Armed forces often seek divine guidance during challenging times, and one such place of solace is the “Plateau Nath Baba Mandir,” located at the base of Kargil town. This temple is believed to have miraculous protective powers, having safeguarded troops from bombardment during both the 1971 war and the 1999 Kargil War. Remarkably, none of the bombs landing near the temple have exploded, leading soldiers to believe in its divine aura, which they feel shields them from harm. The temple is highly revered by the Army and locals, with the Punjab Regiment, currently stationed at higher posts along the Line of Control in Kargil, maintaining it.
Before 1971, a person known as Baba lived in a hut behind the present temple, within the Army’s Light Regiment area. Baba, deeply devoted to caring for animals, lived a life detached from worldly concerns. Over time, people began visiting him and called him Baba. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Kargil town faced heavy enemy shelling, with shells landing in the plateau occupied by the Army. Remarkably, none of these shells exploded.
Army sources describe this event as miraculous. During the shelling, Baba advised locals to dispose of the unexploded shells in a nearby stream. Initially hesitant and fearful, the locals refused, so Baba undertook the task himself. “Miraculously, the shells exploded when they landed in the water body. This miracle convinced locals that Baba was a mystical personality, leading to an increase in visitors to his hut,” according to the Army.
Troops assigned to nearby battalions handle the temple’s upkeep, including cleaning, conducting religious rituals, and distributing prasad. Following Baba’s instructions, they worship Lord Shiva in the temple, a practice that continues to this day. The troops perform these duties out of gratitude towards Baba, ensuring the temple remains well-maintained.
The aura of the Plateau Nath Baba Mandir remains compelling for both military personnel and locals. It stands as a symbol of hope and divine protection amid the challenging conditions in Kargil.
As part of their deployment duties, military formations continue to support and uphold the temple, preserving what they believe to be a site of divine intervention throughout the region’s conflicts.