Shrines of Anantnag Kashmir

ANANTANG

The town, Anantnag finds its place in Geetaji, that out of springs, "I am Ananta Naga". It has beneath one spring, called Inder Spring. It has two Sulphur springs. That there are about 7 temples in Anantnag (Anantnag Bhawan Complex). Two Shiva Temples, one Radha Krishen Mandir, one Durga Temple, one Ganesh Temple, Sita Ram Temple, Hanuman Temple, four Dharmshallas and one school building. Outside the complex in the town we have three temples - Ancient temples - Devibal, Shiva Temple at Nai Basti, and third at Hara Mohalla. All three temples outside complex were burnt and damaged during riots in February, 1986. All three temples outside complex were badly damaged and rebuilt with assistance of then Governor of J&K Shri Jag Mohan. Now both the Shivala temples outside complex are reported to have been damaged and partially burnt.

Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Goddess Ragnya Devi is symbolised as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. Within the spring is a small marble temple. The devotees of the goddess fast and gather here on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when, according to belief, the goddess changes the colour of the spring's waters. The temple-spring complex is affectionately known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster.

Devibal - Khir Bhawani Asthapan
Devibal temple is situated in Anantnag near nagbal.It is dedicated to the holy spring of Khir Bhawani which issues here and is now enshrined in a small stone-built one storey temple. It attracts a good number of devotees and is considered a holy place by the entire kashmiri pandit community. It attracts a large congregation every day and is said to have the same importance as that of Khir Bawani temple in Tulamula of Ganderbal district. According to a local legend it is believed that once the famous saint of the town Reshi Molu, held in great esteem by Muslims and Hindus of the valley alike, had prayed for the holy “Darshan” of Goddess Durga and requested her to show her presence in the town. She is believed to have acceded to his request and later appeared in his dream in which she is said to have communicated to him that She is already present in the from of small spring. According to another belief it is believed that Wazir Panu had a dream in which Goddess Durga told him that She was living underneath the spring. He located the spring and asked one of the priests namely Balkak to look after it. Maharaja Pratap Singh while on his way to Jammu or Back to Srinagar would stop here and pray in the name of the Goddess and offer lot of milk in the spring. He also donated some cultivable lands in the name of the shrine. The water that issues from the spring is reported to be changing colours.

Nagbal
The entire complex is known popularly as Nagabal and is famous Hindu religious center in Anantnag District. It is situated in the east corner of the town. The holy spring which originates from here and the formation of which is attributed to Vishno or Narayana is said to be a Vedic ‘tirath’. The spring rises beautifully from the foot of a small hill-lock and is dedicated to the worship of Ananta or Vishno. It enjoys a commanding position having a big tank which encloses the spring. Lower down another tank dotted with the temple in its center is built. There are long shady chinnars which stand guard round the tank. These tanks are full of sacred fish and the place also serves as shelter and shade to many weary pilgrims who visit it from different places in and out side the State. By the left side of the holy spring, a small temple now partly in dilapidated condition had been constructed in the times of Maharaja Rambir Singh, the second Dogra Ruler of Kashmir. The deity of Ananta Baghwan has been installed in a small temple just at the outlet of the spring. The Naghbal complex has also other temples built in its premises. The oldest among them being Shiv Ji temple in which the deity of lord Shiva has been installed in the reign of Maharaja Partap Singh somewhere in 1885 to 1925 A.D. There is also a sulphur spring in the Naghbal complex, which is visited by persons suffering from skin deceases. A Gurdwara has also been built in the same complex.

Gautam Nag
Sri Ramakrishra Maha sammelan managed by Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee Kanyakumari, is situated here. An ancient spring and a few idols of some ancient temple are found here. Annual festival is held here on the day Chhari (Amarnath Yatra) starts. It is 3 km. away from Achhabal.Gautam Nag is just 2 Kilometers away from Anantnag. It is said that Gautam Rishi had his penance here. It was controlled and looked after by Saint Mana Kak Goja and later on Swami Gwasha Kak Ji and in mid seventies by Swami Sarvanand Ji.It has landed property, orchard on hundreds of Kanals, one Dharma Shalla, a spring and one two storied Mandir which was burnt in February, 1986, rebuilt and now Dharm Shalla is reported to have been burnt. F.I.R. lodged in Police Station Anantnag.

Verinag Nila Nag
Verinag (Nila Nag) spring is of great importance and beauty, with deep blue water which issues from the bottom of a high scrap of a mountain spur and here also Emperor Jehangir built a garden and pleasure house. The Verinag spring is about 26 kilometers away from Anantnag and is considered as the original source of river Jehlum. The spring is situated at the bottom of hill covered by pine trees and evergreen plants. The wonderful and charming construction of the spring as well as it's adjacent garden compel the visitors to see it again and again. The construction of the banks of spring as well as it's surroundings is of rare shape. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir constructed it and carvers for the purpose for the purpose were brought from Iran. The construction date of the spring is 1029 H is duly inscribed on a stone installed at the western gate of entry towards the spring.In the language of Kashmir, the word for "a spring" is naga, and nagas are considered the earliest inhabitants of that region. In a sense this is borne out by geology since that valley was once "a vast span of water, similar to a huge dam, walled in by high mountains. The Nilamatapurana records how the valley was elevated out of water and left under the care of the Nagas, of whom Nila, the son of Kashyapa, was the chief." Kashmir is named after Kashyapa where "the term ‘naga’ stands for spring; 'chesmah,' and 'negin' for small spring. Springs are the main source of water in Kashmir." And "the auspicious and famous river of Kashmir, the Vitasta (Jhelum) originates from a spring near Verinag and is responsible for the water supply to most parts of the valley. The religious significance of the river is established by the Nilamata PuranaMyth of the Indigo Goddess when it records the entire land of Kashmir as the material manifestation of Uma and describes her as the divine form of the Vitasta."

VETHA - VATUR (Vetastha)
It is situated one kilo meter from Verinag, Anantnag. It is source of river Vitasta (Jhelum). It has about 23 Kanals in shape of orchards. (Vitasta) Here is the source of river Vitasta. Annual pilgrimage to this place is performed on the thirteenth day of the dark half of the Bhadra month. It was maintained later on by Late Swami Ram Dass. It had two Dharmshallas, three storied. That said Dharamshallas were burnt after december, 1992. It has about 80 Kanals of irrigated land attached to it. Moni Baba would look after the Ashram after Late Ram Dass.

Vetha-Vatur, also called Vitastatru, is a pilgrim spot located in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the fountainhead of Vitasta River. It is about 2 km to the west of Verinag Spring, which is 26 km from Anantnag. Every year, the pilgrimage to this holy place is usually held on the 13th day of the dark half of the Bhadra month (August-September). Vetha-Vatur can be approached through the link road, which turns off, from the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Lower Munda.

Mattan (Bawan)
The Valley of Kashmir is the 'Holy Land' of the Hindus and there is hardly any village which can not show some relic of antiquity. In Anantnag District there are several temples of historical as well as religious importance. Bawan temple is one among them. Some 8 Kms. from Anantnag town, on the north side is to be seen a spring, a very sacred spring, near a small village called Bawan, a name derived from the water, which gushes out from a fissure in the limestone rock.

Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi(Reshi Maloo)
The tomb of Baba Hyder Reshi popularly known as Harda Reshi or Reshi Molu, the saint at whose anniversary local people of the area abstain from flesh eating for one week, is visited by both Muslims and Hindus alike. The shrine is one of the famous places frequented by people from all over the valley. It is Situated in Mohalla Reshi Sahib in Anantnag Town. The body of the saint is enshrined alongwith 21 of his disciples in the tomb. Born on 29th Rajab, 909 Hijri ( 17-1-1504) A.D. in village Dandar of Tehsil Anantnag in the house of Sheikh Abdulla a blacksmith by profession, Baba Hyder Rehsi is said to have performed graet miracles in his very childhood. He used a look after cultivation, tend cattle, and spent his life in complete celibacy. His spiritual guode had been Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom Sahib, a great saint of Kashmir whose shrine is situated on the hill of Hari Parbat located in Srinagar city. From him, he is said to have received religious education and spiritual inspiration.

Uma Devi of Uma Nagri
Goddess Uma is said to have selected Her abode in the lap of great Himalayas in Kashmir in Umanagri, Uttersoo in Anantnag Tehsil. She is believed to have manifested herself in in the form of a stream and appeared in the shape on “Omkar” in five springs. It is said that one Shri Shiv Ram Ji who later assumed the name of Swami Shivananda had attained the high reputation and sincerity and that while supervising the collection of paddy in the adjoining village of Brah, one of the peasants pointed out to him the grain husks sticking to his shawl and reminded him to swift them off before leaving the grain-store. This sarcastic remark had a shocking effect on him and he is said to have thought of detaching himself from the worldly things and started meditating round the clock at Snusha a secluded place near Brah. He is then said to have had a divine vision of Mother Uma directing him to go to her abode at Village Uttarasoo. Accordingly, he located the place and went into deep meditation on the specified spot. He lit a continous pyre (Dhooni) at the place of his meditation near the spring. A Vedic Yagh is since then being performed on the anniversary of the Swami Sivananda in the month of ‘Phusa’ every year and the relics of the Swami are still preserved at the Dhooni Sashib which are worshipped by numberless devotees. The situation of the shrine comprises 5 springs located in the form of divine Omkara. Out of these springs, 2 merge into a single spring thereby signifying the communion of Shiva and Shakti. The sacred shrine attracts large pilgrims and is revered by all faiths.

Nagdandi
About two kilometres away from the historical and picturesque town of Achabal, on the right side of the road to Uma Devi (Brari-Aangan), there is the Ramakrishnan Mahasammelan Ashram, which was founded by late Swami Ashokananda, more than forty years ago. It is a fairy big Ashram now, a compact complex of some buildings and a small temple dedicated to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, at the foot of wooded Achabal hills. The Samadhi of Swami Ashokananda is within the precincts of the Ashram.

Domtabal Asthapan
It is just 2 Kilometers from Kokernag and 16 Kilometers away from Anantnag. Ancient murties have been stolen which are priceless.

Khana Barnain Triporsundari Asthapan Devsar

:Dedicated to Divine mother This Devi Asthapan of Khana Barnayan is situated about 18 kilometers from Anantnag, about 2 kilometers from Devsar town. It had a murti of Tripore Sundari, a temple, a Dharmshalla and Havan Kund construced by Swami Ram Das. All of these were reduced to ashes after December, 1992.

Amarnath Ji
One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

In the world-famous cave of SWAMI AMARNATHJI an ice Lingam is formed to full size on the fifteenth of the bright half of every month, (Poornima), hence is of reverential attraction to the devotees of all faiths. This holy place is visited on the Shravana Poornima every year by thousands of pilgrims from far off places. The Pilgrimage starts from the Dashnami Akhara of Srinagar in the form of a procession. The Mahant carries the holy silver mace of Lord Siva and is followed by hundreds of Sadhus reaching the cave on the Shravana Poornima, which coincides with Raksha-Bandhan.

People like Aadi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramtirtha have visited this place. Swami Ramtirtha has composed beautiful verses in praise of the mysteries of the Lord. Swami Vivekananda says to his European disciples, "The image was the Lord Himself. It was all worship there. I never have been to anything so beautiful, so inspiring.

Goswami Gund Ashram
An attractive neat and clean Ashram is found here. During Amarnath Yatra a number of devotees visit this Ashrama and stay and mediate for a few days. This beautiful Ashram is situated just 12 kilometers from town Anantnag. It has land measuring about 200 Kanals (irrigated by tenants) and has self cultivable 18 Kanals as Orchard. It has beautiful lotus spring. It had one hall two three storied Dharam Shallas, one Shiva Temple, one Kitchen and modern bath and toilet. It was founded by Swami Tota Kak who was called even by Muslims as "Tota Kuda". Later on he brought one person from Kulgam who was later on named as Swami Atma Ram Ji. Though Swami Atma Ram Ji, at the time when he joined Ashram, was a student of middle class, he became a classic example of a learned person. He was called ocean of learning. Even Yogi's would come from Banaras to have Shastra Arth and go satisfied. He had written so many books though unpublished but burnt to ashes now. Swami Atma Ramji had two disciples, Swami Sarvanand Ji and Swami Nath Ji. They had two disciples Brahamchari Prem Nath and Brahmchari Prithvi Nath Ji. Both of them are living at Bori, Jammu after displacement. The Ashram was known for Sada Barth; one could get meal all times. When morning meals was to be served a call "Hari Hari Maha Purshoo" would be recited meaning if there is any person around, please join us in meals. Till the day they left, the meals were served on ground after recitation of Geetaji. Both Dharmshallas were burnt, temple damaged, Murties stolen or taken away. They had purchased about one kanal of land and constructed 2 rooms; built one temple and two modern baths. They wanted to construct a hall. A Mandli is performed on each Sunday for night. The Ashram was burnt while police was present guarding the same.

Guddar Asthapan

This Asthapan is just 3 Kilometers from Tom Kulgam. This is now in ruins and desecrated.The temples which were burnt during riote of 1986 and 1992 are annexed herewith.

Ganesh Bal Hakura
Ganesh Bal is situated at village Hakura Badasgam near Bony Baag (China garden) on the main road.It is dedicated to lord Ganesh.According to Raj Tarangni is believed that at this place there was a huge Golden Temple of lord Ganesh which was visted by poplle from all the sides on Ganesh Chuterdeshi. At this place a Idol Murti of Lord Ganesh was installed by Late Shri Darshan Nath Pandita in the year 1984 of Hakura.kashmiri Pandits form this village used to visit this place and offer Thari and ladoo to the lord Ganesh.

Lok Bhawan
This is called Tirth Raj Asthapan just 8 kilometers from Anantnag town. It has a big spring and temples and Dharmshalla. All temples were burnt, including Dharmshalla in February, 1986. They were rebuilt but again damaged in December, 1992 `Har Bagh' is celebrated on each year and person gets rid of all sins, if he takes a bath in spring on auspicious day.

Mirza Kak Asthapan
Mirza Kak Asthapan at Hangalgund, Kokernag, Anantnag. He was known for prophetic verses and a JAG is performed every year; now Mirza Kak Trust has been formed. They have constructed a temple at Nagrota, Jammu. Kashmir has been a sacred land where tirthas, sacred springs and places of worship are found in abundance. One such tirtha is dedicated to goddess Hingla Devi in Brang Pargana. According to Brangesh Samhita, the Brang Pargana has been named after Brangesh Muni, the author of this Samhita. The Brangi river, which runs through this pargana, also bears his name. The village has thus got the name of Hingalagund which later got abridged to Hangalgund. In this village near Kokernag lived a pious Brahmin named Lassa Pandit. He had two sons - Bhulla Pandit and Mirza Pandit.

Durga Temple at Kakran
It was completely burnt after 1992 riots and was maintained by Dharmarth Trust.

Shiva Bhagwati At Akingam
This small village is still called in revenue records as "Maqan Shiva Bhagwati". It had a beautiful temple, with two storey, Dharamshalla and large chunk of forest land attached to it. This temple was burnt along with Dharmshalla in December, 1992 and confirmed by Govt. and F.I.R. No. 86/92 lodged.

Kulwagishiri Asthapan Kulgam
This ancient Asthapan is situated in heart of town Kulgam about 16 Kilometers from Anantnag town. The Asthapan had beautiful spring, one temple, Dharmshalla and Geeta Bhawan. All have been burnt during December, 1992 riots in presence of Police.

Liddar Syandhai Asthapan
This Asthapan is situated about 24 kilometers from Anantnag on hill top near Kaprun. The place is desecrated and is under occupation of Muslim community.

Trisandhia Asthapan
It is situated about 23 kilometers from Anantnag and 3 kilometers from Kokernag. During Chitra month water used to come after intervals and pilgrims used to take dip when water would come out. Sometimes water would come six times a day sometimes nothing for two days. It is now desecrated.

Gauri Temple at Pahalgam
This temple, which was completely burnt during December 1992, Asthapan at Maugam, A Devi Temple and Dharmshalla were completely burnt. There are more ancient Asthapans and temples but to narrate them all is not possible.

Shillagram Temple
This temple is situated at Shillagram on Anantnag Pahalgam Road, about 13 Kilometers from Anantnag. It was ancient temple and Amar Nath Charre Mubarak used to offer Puja on Shivlingam (Sahastri Mukhi Shiva). This temple was destroyed in 1998 and Shivlingam is still missing. It had thousand eyes.