Forgotten Temples of Kashmir

Forgotten Temples of Kashmir Photo series Part-20 An effort to preserve and record Hindu cultural and religios heritage of Kashmir NAGBAL.....ANANTNAG Exclusive images and report from a remote village in Kashmir provided for Shehjarby Chander M. Bhat

nantnag is one of the 11 districts that make up Kashmir Valley. The city finds a pride place in Bhagavad Gita that says, “I am Anant Naga”. Anantnag is home to highly honoured shrines from any faith, practicing it with utmost belief. Anantnag is an ancient city which came into existence as a market town around 5000 BC making it one of the oldest urban settlements in the whole world. Famous Lal Chowk of Anantnag is a big trade centre of the town and it was the seat of one of the oldest degree colleges in Jammu and Kashmir State. According to ancient mythological stories, the name Anant Nag is given to the place because Lord Shiva during his journey to Amarnath cave left all his valuables on the way and Anant Nag was the place where he is supposed to have left countless number of serpents residing on him. Anant nag is also well mentioned in ancient Naga and Pichash chronicles of ancient aboriginals of the valley. It was also known as Kashyapteshwara in ancient times linking it to the mythology of Kashyap Reshi. In ancient times, it was called the Inder Nag. Anant also means numerous in the Sanskrit language and Naga means springs in the Kashmiri language. Thus Anantnag is believed to mean numerous springs because here are many springs including Nagbal, Salak Nag and Malik Nag in the town. Thus every part of Anantnag town resides on a crest of water. Few feet depth brings water to the surface. Anantnag is a perfect Vastu Shastra location by nature. On one side is a hillock releasing endless water from its feet. Localities are thus blessed with this perfect Vastu creation of nature. The name of Anantnag District according to a well known archaeologist, Sir A. Stein, comes from the great spring Anant Naga issuing at the centre of the city. This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana according to whom the city has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Anant Naga land of countless springs. The spring is mentioned in Neelmat Puran as a sacred place for the Hindus and Koshur Encyclopaedia testifies it. Mendi Kadal, one of the localities of Anantnag town was famous for magic waters that cured leprosy patients. Anantnag town was a transit camp for Amarnath Pilgrims in olden days. The town of Anantnag is constituted by three main boroughs or towns viz. Anantnag, Khanabal and Mattan. The old city of Anantnag comprises Nagbal, Maliknag, Kadipora, Cheeni Chowk, Doni Pawa, Sarnal Bala, Janglatmandi, Old Port Khanabal, Downtown Martand and Dangarpora areas and few villages like Haji Danter, Mir Danter etc. About 1200 households of Kashmiri Pandits were living in Anantnag town and almost entire community joined in mass exodus during 1990. Most of the Kashmiri Pandit community were either in Government Service or had their own business establishments in the town. Noted Kashmiri Pandits from Anantnag who made their name on national scene were Sh. Piarey Lal Handoo, Sh Prem Nath Bhat, Dr. A.N. Safaya etc. Chirvi’s, Zutshi’s, Goja’s, Jad’s and Guzerwan’s were noted business families in the town. Anantnag is centre seat of Maraz segment of Kashmir and its language culture is unique in comparison to other segments of Kashmir Valley. It was a land locked place from Verinag...Kokernag belt and from Qazigund...Shopian belt. This advantageous position left lesser impact on its culture by Huns, Kushans and Afghans. Near Anantnag three streams namely Arapath, [the glacier waters from Mrigin Mountain and streamlets from springs of Chahaer and Brahmasar form Aripat] Bringi [Bringi freshet is formed by the glacier waters from the Hokhsar Mountain and various other streams from Springs of Navbhug and Kokernag] and Sandran [the glacier waters from Brari Mountain and streams from Verinag and other springs of Shahabad from Sandran] confluence together and mingles with Veyth. Another stream Liddar [Lamboodri] also joins the flow with them at a little distance downstream further ahead. The Nagbal temple is in the eastern corner of the Anantnag town, placed adjacent to a spring. There are long shady Chinar trees that stand sentinel round the tank. The presiding deity of the Nagbal temple is Lord Ananta Bhawan set up at the outlet of the spring. The temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the 2nd Dogra ruler of Kashmir. There are also other smaller temples in the temple complex. Shiva temple, the oldest temple, was built during the reign of Maharaja Partap Singh. A sulphur spring, which is believed to possess spiritual power, is also located in the temple complex. Nagbal is bounded by incredible beauty. The holy spring which originates from here and the formation of which is attributed to Vishno or Narayana is said to be a Vedic pilgrimage centre. The spring rises beautifully from the foot of a small hill-lock and is dedicated to the worship of Ananta or Vishno. Annual festival is held on beuuderpeth gat’iu pachh tsodah. The shrine of Reshi Mol Sahib is situated in the centre of the Anantnag town and is at a stone’s throw distance from Nagbal and famous Devibal Shrine is also located nearby. Devibal, a small stone temple is located near Nagbal Temple complex and is dedicated to the Mata Ragnya. Inside the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, which is about 12 square feet in size, in the middle of which is 6 square feet holy spring. The Ragnya is said to have blessed the spring. According to a legend, Wazir Pannu, who was a minister during Dogra rule, had a dream in which the goddess revealed to him the secret of her presence in the holy spring and left it to the care of Pandit Balkak, a priest. Maharaja Pratap Singh used to visit the shrine during his travel from Jammu to Srinagar or back, pray and make offerings. He is also believed to have donated land to the shrine. You may come down from land of shepherds or from the land of modernity, the smooth transition from one site to this site; creates a unique experience of soul purification as clay of Anantnag has touched the feet of Lord Shiva and graced by Mata Ragnya. A stay at Anantnag is a saga of memory for anyone who descends on it.

Entrance Gate. Sign Board at the entrance

Shiv Lingam with faces

Nag at Anantnag

Close up of Nag

Sulphur Spring Author inside Temple Complex The only Person who has not left Anantnag and now a days living in Nagbal

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*Born on 20th March, 1960 in Murran a village in North Kashmir, Chander M. Bhat is presently working as an Assistant Supdt. Posts, in Department of Posts, Govt. of India. His articles regarding Posts and of non-political nature stand widely published in various papers and magazines of the country. A booklet 'How to Collect Stamps" published by the Department of Posts, has earned him genuine accolades. He worked on the project of tracing the roots of his co-villagers and of the village Murran, resulting into the culmination of a widely acclaimed book "Murran -My Village". Man with depth, Chander M. Bhat has also another book, "Ocean by Drops" (collection of poems) in his vase having colorful poems. His book "Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir", confirms his researching capability. Various research papers like "The Splendor that is Amarnath" and "Vitasta" The Sacred River of Kashmir" are valuable additions to his works that has proved very fruitful and guiding force in the exile period of Kashmiri Pandits community of which the author is also a member. Presently the author is working on "OOL - THE NEST" a six volume project on all the 595 (each volume of about 2500 pages)Kashmiri Pandit villages of Kashmir.

1554

Why Parshuram cut his mother Renuka head : Hindi Story – परशुराम भगवान विष्णु के आवेशावतार थे। उनके पिता का नाम जमदग्नि तथा माता का नाम रेणुका था। परशुराम के चार बड़े भाई थे लेकिन गुणों में यह सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे। एक दिन  गन्धर्वराज चित्ररथ को अप्सराओं के साथ विहार करता देख हवन हेतु गंगा तट पर जल लेने गई रेणुका आसक्त हो गयी और कुछ देर तक वहीं रुक गयीं। हवन काल व्यतीत हो जाने से क्रुद्ध मुनि जमदग्नि ने अपनी पत्नी के आर्य मर्यादा विरोधी आचरण एवं मानसिक व्यभिचार करने के दण्डस्वरूप सभी पुत्रों को माता रेणुका का वध करने की आज्ञा दी। लेकिन मोहवश किसी ने ऐसा नहीं किया। तब मुनि ने उन्हें श्राप दे दिया और उनकी विचार शक्ति नष्ट हो गई।

अन्य भाइयों द्वारा ऐसा दुस्साहस न कर पाने पर पिता के तपोबल से प्रभावित परशुराम ने उनकी आज्ञानुसार माता का शिरोच्छेद कर दिया। यह देखकर महर्षि जमदग्नि बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और परशुराम को वर मांगने के लिए कहा। तो उन्होंने तीन वरदान माँगे
- See more at: http://www.ajabgjab.com/2014/07/bahgwan-parshuram-and-mata-renuka.html#sthash.UXdfUvcE.dpuf

1554

Why Parshuram cut his mother Renuka head : Hindi Story – परशुराम भगवान विष्णु के आवेशावतार थे। उनके पिता का नाम जमदग्नि तथा माता का नाम रेणुका था। परशुराम के चार बड़े भाई थे लेकिन गुणों में यह सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे। एक दिन  गन्धर्वराज चित्ररथ को अप्सराओं के साथ विहार करता देख हवन हेतु गंगा तट पर जल लेने गई रेणुका आसक्त हो गयी और कुछ देर तक वहीं रुक गयीं। हवन काल व्यतीत हो जाने से क्रुद्ध मुनि जमदग्नि ने अपनी पत्नी के आर्य मर्यादा विरोधी आचरण एवं मानसिक व्यभिचार करने के दण्डस्वरूप सभी पुत्रों को माता रेणुका का वध करने की आज्ञा दी। लेकिन मोहवश किसी ने ऐसा नहीं किया। तब मुनि ने उन्हें श्राप दे दिया और उनकी विचार शक्ति नष्ट हो गई।

अन्य भाइयों द्वारा ऐसा दुस्साहस न कर पाने पर पिता के तपोबल से प्रभावित परशुराम ने उनकी आज्ञानुसार माता का शिरोच्छेद कर दिया। यह देखकर महर्षि जमदग्नि बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और परशुराम को वर मांगने के लिए कहा। तो उन्होंने तीन वरदान माँगे
- See more at: http://www.ajabgjab.com/2014/07/bahgwan-parshuram-and-mata-renuka.html#sthash.UXdfUvcE.dpuf

1554

Why Parshuram cut his mother Renuka head : Hindi Story – परशुराम भगवान विष्णु के आवेशावतार थे। उनके पिता का नाम जमदग्नि तथा माता का नाम रेणुका था। परशुराम के चार बड़े भाई थे लेकिन गुणों में यह सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे। एक दिन  गन्धर्वराज चित्ररथ को अप्सराओं के साथ विहार करता देख हवन हेतु गंगा तट पर जल लेने गई रेणुका आसक्त हो गयी और कुछ देर तक वहीं रुक गयीं। हवन काल व्यतीत हो जाने से क्रुद्ध मुनि जमदग्नि ने अपनी पत्नी के आर्य मर्यादा विरोधी आचरण एवं मानसिक व्यभिचार करने के दण्डस्वरूप सभी पुत्रों को माता रेणुका का वध करने की आज्ञा दी। लेकिन मोहवश किसी ने ऐसा नहीं किया। तब मुनि ने उन्हें श्राप दे दिया और उनकी विचार शक्ति नष्ट हो गई।

अन्य भाइयों द्वारा ऐसा दुस्साहस न कर पाने पर पिता के तपोबल से प्रभावित परशुराम ने उनकी आज्ञानुसार माता का शिरोच्छेद कर दिया। यह देखकर महर्षि जमदग्नि बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और परशुराम को वर मांगने के लिए कहा। तो उन्होंने तीन वरदान माँगे
- See more at: http://www.ajabgjab.com/2014/07/bahgwan-parshuram-and-mata-renuka.html#sthash.UXdfUvcE.dpuf

जानिए, अपनी माता का वध क्यों किया था परशुराम ने और कहाँ मिली थी उन्हें मातृहत्या के पाप से मुक्ति ?

July 20, 2014 by ag Leave a Comment

 

 1554Why Parshuram cut his mother Renuka head : Hindi Story – परशुराम भगवान विष्णु के आवेशावतार थे। उनके पिता का नाम जमदग्नि तथा माता का नाम रेणुका था। परशुराम के चार बड़े भाई थे लेकिन गुणों में यह सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे। एक दिन  गन्धर्वराज चित्ररथ को अप्सराओं के साथ विहार करता देख हवन हेतु गंगा तट पर जल लेने गई रेणुका आसक्त हो गयी और कुछ देर तक वहीं रुक गयीं। हवन काल व्यतीत हो जाने से क्रुद्ध मुनि जमदग्नि ने अपनी पत्नी के आर्य मर्यादा विरोधी आचरण एवं मानसिक व्यभिचार करने के दण्डस्वरूप सभी पुत्रों को माता रेणुका का वध करने की आज्ञा दी। लेकिन मोहवश किसी ने ऐसा नहीं किया। तब मुनि ने उन्हें श्राप दे दिया और उनकी विचार शक्ति नष्ट हो गई।

अन्य भाइयों द्वारा ऐसा दुस्साहस न कर पाने पर पिता के तपोबल से प्रभावित परशुराम ने उनकी आज्ञानुसार माता का शिरोच्छेद कर दिया। यह देखकर महर्षि जमदग्नि बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और परशुराम को वर मांगने के लिए कहा। तो उन्होंने तीन वरदान माँगे-

- See more at: http://www.ajabgjab.com/2014/07/bahgwan-parshuram-and-mata-renuka.html#sthash.UXdfUvcE.dpuf

जानिए, अपनी माता का वध क्यों किया था परशुराम ने और कहाँ मिली थी उन्हें मातृहत्या के पाप से मुक्ति ?

July 20, 2014 by ag Leave a Comment

 

 1554Why Parshuram cut his mother Renuka head : Hindi Story – परशुराम भगवान विष्णु के आवेशावतार थे। उनके पिता का नाम जमदग्नि तथा माता का नाम रेणुका था। परशुराम के चार बड़े भाई थे लेकिन गुणों में यह सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे। एक दिन  गन्धर्वराज चित्ररथ को अप्सराओं के साथ विहार करता देख हवन हेतु गंगा तट पर जल लेने गई रेणुका आसक्त हो गयी और कुछ देर तक वहीं रुक गयीं। हवन काल व्यतीत हो जाने से क्रुद्ध मुनि जमदग्नि ने अपनी पत्नी के आर्य मर्यादा विरोधी आचरण एवं मानसिक व्यभिचार करने के दण्डस्वरूप सभी पुत्रों को माता रेणुका का वध करने की आज्ञा दी। लेकिन मोहवश किसी ने ऐसा नहीं किया। तब मुनि ने उन्हें श्राप दे दिया और उनकी विचार शक्ति नष्ट हो गई।

अन्य भाइयों द्वारा ऐसा दुस्साहस न कर पाने पर पिता के तपोबल से प्रभावित परशुराम ने उनकी आज्ञानुसार माता का शिरोच्छेद कर दिया। यह देखकर महर्षि जमदग्नि बहुत प्रसन्न हुए और परशुराम को वर मांगने के लिए कहा। तो उन्होंने तीन वरदान माँगे-

- See more at: http://www.ajabgjab.com/2014/07/bahgwan-parshuram-and-mata-renuka.html#sthash.UXdfUvcE.dpuf

Top 10 Wonders of The World

Top 10 Wonders of The World

10. Roman Baths

The famous Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in Somerset. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing. It’s a reconstruction of the previously destroyed baths. It was destroyed in the 6th century, reconstruction of the baths occurred over time with the last additions being done in the late 1800s.

The Baths are a major tourist attraction and, receive more than one million visitors a year. It was featured on the 2005 TV program Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the West Country. Visitors can see the Baths and Museum but cannot enter the water.

9. Leaning Tower of Pisa

This tower is constructed first in Pisa a city of Italy in August 14, 1173.It is know due to its inclinations towards right side. Till now it is stable and nothing happened to it instead of its tilt.

8. Colosseum

The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. This is one of the greatest architecture ever built in the history of Rome. The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and is the largest amphitheater to have ever been built in the Roman Empire. It is a circular structure that occupies a site east of the Roman Forum. This Amphitheater was built to organize gladiator contests, dramas and games like hunting animals, constructing mock sea battle and the public could also view it in the open, and cheer their favorites. See also; 10 Eye-Popping Gorgeous Roman Theatres.

7. Chichen Itza

Chichen was founded by the Maya civilization in 400 AD and it is located in the north central, north of Yucatan Peninsula now called Mexico. Chichen has a history that is 1500 years old and is located 75 miles from Merida. It is said to have been the main regional point for different ceremonies. During the earlier days & time, it was governed by priests. Chichen means “At the mouth of the well of Itza”. The word Chi stands for ‘mouth’, Chen for ‘well’ and Itza for ‘the Itza tribe’. The main belief is that people were thrown from the top as a sacrifice to make their god happy and the ones who could survive were the ones who were believed to be seers.

6. Hagia Sophia

The masterpiece of construction, Hagia Sophia is a former Christian patriarchal basilica (church), later an imperial mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Hagia Sophia is currently the second-most visited museum in Turkey, attracting almost 3.3 million visitors annually.

From its initial conversion until the construction of the nearby Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque of Istanbul) in 1616, it was the principal mosque of Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia served as inspiration for many other Ottoman mosques, such as the Blue Mosque, the Şehzade Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque

5. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the pre Columbian, Inca empire site that is located almost 8,000 feet above the sea level. The site is located on a mountain ridge above the valley of Urubamba in Peru. The city is also called the “lost city of Incas”. Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire. It was abandoned just over 100 years later, in 1572, as a belated result of the Spanish Conquest.

Machu Picchu was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll. See also; 10 Most Iconic Places to Photograph in the World.

4. Taj Mahal of Agra

It was constructed by famous Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a symbol of India’s rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. In 2007 it was declared one of the top 10 Wonders of the World. See also; 10 Interesting Facts About Taj Mahal.

3. Cristo Redentor Statue

It is largest Art Deco statue in the world and the 5th largest statue of Jesus in the world. A symbol of Christianity across the world, the statue has also become a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and was constructed between 1922 and 1931.

2. Petra

It is an archeological city of Jorden that is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved. Established during 312 BCE as the capital city of the Arab Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan. It lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah in a basin among the mountains which form the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

Petra was named amongst the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. It is Jordan’s most-visited tourist attraction and one of the “Places to See Before You Die”.

1. The Great Wall of China

Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China was constructed 7th century BC. It is a series of fortification built to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.

See Also;
10 Most Famous Walls in the World.
10 Most Famous Cultural Monuments Around the World.

“Valley of Love” – Lost Wonders of the World.

Lost Wonders of the World, The “Valley of Love” was built by a mystery race that inhabited what is now a remote part of Ireland.

This ancient valley is one of the lost wonders of the earth. Valley of love is a mile wide and high. Many controversies revolves around it. It is believed that the valley remained hidden from the eyes of world for many centuries and was built by a mysterious race that now lives in a remote area of Ireland. This valley is more than 3000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt. The only intact structure in this valley referred as ‘Memorial of joy’ is awe-inspiring.  This fantastic stone structure has an equally flabbergasted interior which is fully functional to this day.

“Starting Point of Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra”

“Starting Point of Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra”

The temple is said to be the 1st Darshan for Vishnu Devi darshan yatra. The temple is situated between Jammu n Katra, 15 KM from Jammu, at Nagrota.



There is 1 pindi darshan and an ancient Shiv temple also. This temple is said to be built by Pandvas during their exile.

POSTED BY  ; VIPUL KOUL
EDITED  BY  : ASHOK KOUL

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