BBC News Online: World: South Asia

Kashmir shepherd hits temple jackpot

Thousands of pilgrims are expected at the temple

Reports said Ghulam Qadir was searching for a lost sheep in Chandwari when he stumbled on the 1,500-year-old shrine.

The shepherd crawled into a small cave, where he discovered a one-foot statue of the Hindu god Shiva.

The state tourist board is so pleased with the find, it has promised Mr Qadir 10% of the anticipated flood of offerings at the temple.

Lump sum

He will receive his cut for a five-year period from next year culminating in a final lump sum payment from the government.

Authorities are hoping that pilgrims will flock to the cave.

Another cave shrine to Shiva in Armanath in central Kashmir draws thousands of Shiva devotees every year.

Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration.