Kashmir is our forefathers’ land; it has always been a Hindu territory and will stay so for millennia. Understand how it got its name and how essential the magnificent past is. Is there any relation between Kashmir and Hinduism? Most Indians are unaware of Kashmir, its history and significance, and its connection to Hinduism, which may be attributed to our education system and biased media. Due to the religious demographics in Kashmir, many believe the term “Kashmir” is of Islamic origin. As with nature, the relationship between Hinduism and Kashmir is perennial; generations have passed, and people have attempted to conceal, rub, and eradicate Hinduism from the land of Kashmir. However, the geology, history, and cultural exchanges between Kashmir and the rest of India are indisputable evidence that these people will never be able to suppress. Throughout history, India has experienced atrocities committed by foreign invaders who came to India as vagabonds, as wanderers to whom Indians provided sanctuary and were permitted to practise their tradition. How did they respond? By attempting to destroy India’s indigenous culture by assassinating the people who provided them with refuge, exploiting them, and pillaging and raping their wives and daughters. Turks, Arabs, and the monarchs of the Khilji and Mughal dynasties, whom we portray as our ancestors in history books and school curricula, are the same people who destroyed our civilization.
Additionally, in 1947, we witnessed how this nation was divided into three pieces on the basis of religion. Pakistan has made numerous attempts to seize Kashmir from India. Let us comprehend the history of the name “Kashmir.” The Kashmir valley developed from the Satisar lake (the lake of mother Sati, wife of Lord Shiva). The valley of Kashmir was created due to the prayers of Kashyapa Muni, Lord Brahma’s grandson (the God responsible for creation). Kashyapa Muni was one of the Saptarishis, the seven primordial sages recorded in the Vedas.
Furthermore, he was the author of systematic work: Kashyap Samhita, sometimes spelt Braddha Jivakiya Tantra is, a renowned reference book on Ayurveda, particularly in the domains of Ayurvedic Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics. Geologists agree that this terrain emerged from a lake, as evidenced by lacustrine deposits (sedimentary rocks deposited at the bottom of ancient lakes). The connections between the historical and geological perspectives illustrate the crucial relevance of Kashmir’s terrain. Additionally, Kashmir has been a vital element of Hinduism. A location that is inextricably linked to our culture. Shaivism, one of Hinduism’s primary traditions, is based on the worship of Lord Shiva and is widely practised in the state of Kashmir. Numerous temples and sites of dharmic significance attest to this.
From the Historians’ Perspective:
Pandit Kalhan, a Kashmiri historian from the 12th century, composed Rajatarangini in Sanskrit, detailing the history of Kashmir’s kings (and northwestern Indian subcontinent too.) The book is broken into eight sections and contains 7826 verses. This book contains the earliest and most genuine information about Kashmir. It is based on mythology, traditions, and inscriptions. It is said that the valley of Kashmir was formerly home to a lake called Satisar, which translates as Sati’s lake. Sati is the wife of Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most important deities. According to the Vedic scriptures, Lord Brahma creates the universe, Lord Vishnu maintains it, and Lord Shiva rescinds it. Sati or Shakti (as she is more often known) is Lord Shiva’s vitality and creative force. Once upon a time, present-day Kashmir was fully submerged in water. Satisar was Lord Shiva’s favourite location. From the name Satisar, one might deduce that this location has been dedicated to Goddess Sati since time immemorial. How could this mass of land (modern-day Kashmir) have formed in this vast body of water? Kashyapa, the renowned sage, appealed to Lord Shiva for a piece of dry ground within this lake. Lord Shiva granted him a boon that his requests would be granted shortly. In response to this blessing, Lord Vishnu referred to in the Vedic scriptures as the maintainer, emerged as the Varaha incarnation and pierced the mountain in the northwest at a region known as Varahmula, which is now named Baramulla.
Varaha Dev is Lord Vishnu’s third incarnation, bearing the head of a pig and the body of a human. He vanquished the monster Hiranyaksha and freed the goddess of the soil. As a result, when Varaha Dev penetrated the mountain with His tusk, much water gushed, and land appeared from just beneath the surface. We now refer to this land as Kashmir, which emerged from Satisar. As Kashyap muni discovered it, it was named Kashyapmar (meaning lake of Kashyap muni). Over time, it became Kashmar and then Kashmir, as it is now known. Christopher Snedden, an Australian political scientist, politico-strategic analyst, academic researcher, and author, confirms the same. Even if one reads the scripture Nilamata Purana, the same information on the origins of Kashmir will be found.
From the Geologists’ Perspective:
According to geologists, the Kashmir valley was once a lake called Satisar, which translates as the lake of the Goddess Sati. The Kashmir valley was submerged beneath the Tethyan ocean, and the picturesque splendour provided by the high sedimentary rocks was also submerged. Earthquakes damaged the Kashmir valley, and one particularly catastrophic one ruptured the mountain wall at Varahmula (Baramulla), allowing the Satisar Lake’s water to flow, leaving lacustrine deposits known as karewas along the lake’s edges. As a result, the Kashmir valley was formed. One can be certain of this event by observing these lacustrine deposits (karewas). Three distinct perspectives: geology, history, and theology all point to the same conclusion: this magnificent area of Kashmir is vital to Hindus. It has been a centre for Hindu practitioners since time immemorial. The Hindu community has always been hospitable to individuals of different faiths. During King Ashoka’s reign from 268 to 232 BC, many Buddhists settled here. Both religions’ adherents coexisted peacefully. Even Muslims who immigrated to this area were always greeted with open arms. However, the Islamic kings that invaded this area have always attempted to convert Hindus and Buddhists. The Indian subcontinent’s inhabitants (Hindus) have always adhered to the principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Welcoming the guest as you would welcome God). However, Islamic rulers, who invaded this area, were always brutal and attempted to impose their religious beliefs on others. The tragic irony for India and its people is that the magnificence of this wonderful land has always remained untold.
Research material is provided by Mr Shivam Rawat of Pen of Dharma.
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