The op is a result of obsession of Pakistan with Kashmir....
The inhabitants of Kashmir were followers of the Proto-Indo-Iranian religion before the formalization of Rigvedic Hinduism in the period 1700–1100 BC. Therefore, the region has been associated with Hinduism since even before the origin of the religion. The name Kashmir is said to be derived from Kashyapa, one of the seven Rishis in Hindu mythology.
Kashmiri Pandit (Kashmiri: कश्मीरी (कॉशुर, کٲشُر) पण्डित) refers to a person who belongs to a sect of Hindu Brahmins originating from Kashmir, a mountainous region in South Asia. Both racially and ethnically, the Kashmiri Pandits are descendants of the (Proto-Rigvedic) people. It has been often mentioned by experts that the region of Kashmir is the original home of the Aryan Race.
About the Project
This race has over the years produced many a world renowned personalities in the fields of politics, administration, judiciary, Military, poetry and artistry and others. The community is well knit and interconnected. Moreover, a very vibrant community exists on GENI.
The goal of this project is to add,edit, and enrich the profiles and tree's of prominent members of the community. Further, more importantly, using this platform establish the genealogical inter connections between the community
Project Photo
Expectations from Collaborators
1) Enrich profiles - Look at the list of profiles added here and the profiles of people in there tree and add information in the profiles such as pictures, location, dates, about me etc. As comprehensive as one can get.
2) Add profiles to the project - If you are aware of a person who needs to be here please add him/her to the project. It is entirely your judgment on who qualifies to be here.
History of Kashmiri Pandits
The inhabitants of Kashmir were followers of the Proto-Indo-Iranian religion before the formalization of Rigvedic Hinduism in the period 1700–1100 BC. Therefore, the region has been associated with Hinduism since even before the origin of the religion. The name Kashmir is said to be derived from Kashyapa, one of the seven Rishis in Hindu mythology.
The religious philosophy of Kashmiri Hindus is rooted in Kashmir Shaivism, a school of Shiva philosophy that originated near Kailasha in Himalayas around 400 AD. Kashmiri Shaivism, also known as Pratyabhijna (meaning "recognition") school of Shaivism, adopts a purely monistic metaphysical position. It considers the Supreme Lord, called Shiva or Maheshvara, as the Supreme Reality, which is innermost as well as transcendent.
Migrations
A large number of Kashmiri Pandit families were forced to migrate to the plains in the early fifteenth century during the reign of Sikandar Butshikan, and in the late seventeenth century during the reign of Aurangzeb. However, Mughal emperors before and after Aurangzeb invited Kashmiri Pandit scholars, who were fluent in Persian, Sanskrit, Avestan and several other classical languages, to their courts. Several princely states in northern and central India, such as Patiala, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Ratlam have had Kashmiri Pandit prime ministers (dewans).
The largest concentrations of Kashmiri Pandits were found in medieval urban centres such as Lahore, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Hardoi, Kanpur, Allahabad, Gwalior, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Substantial numbers were also found in Shimla, Ambala, Multan, Ajmer, Dehradun, Ujjain, Indore, Bhopal and Cuttack. Most of the Kashmiri Pandit families that migrated to the plains before the twentieth century have a strong influence of the Muslim culture of Awadh in their language, and to some extent, in their food.
Meaning of surnames found on the KP tree
Bakaya - An officer of the rank of a Tehsildar was appointed in the time of Sikhs and Pathans to realise the outstanding taxes from the people. His descendants were nicknamed as Bakaya.
Sapru - Dr. Iqbal, who was the worthy descendant of a Pandit family whose surname was Sapru, wrote to Mr. Fauq about the word Sapru as follows. He wrote that Mr. Dewan Tek Chand M.A., who was a Commissioner in Punjab, had a taste for linguistic research. He told Mr. Iqbal that the word Sapru had its genesis from the Ancient Iranian Kings 'Shapur'.
Saprus are those Iranians who had settled down in Kashmir much before the advent of Islam and because of their sharp intellect were absorbed soon with Brahmans of Kashmir.
Dr. Iqbal has further written that his father used to say that 'Saprus' are the descendants of those Kashmiri Brahman families who were first to learn Persian and other Islamic studies, during the Muslim rule. Sapru means a person who is first to learn a new thing. This name was given to them out of contempt by other Brahmans. The latter analysis is nearer in the approach of a common Kashmiri and the former assertion needs full investigation.
Bakshi - It is a common Punjabi surname. A Pandit employed as an Assistant to a Punjabi officer, having Bakshi his surname, was also known as Bakshi. Mr. Fauq says a Pandit employed as a clerk of the Army was known as Bakshi or Mir Bakshi.
Munshi - It is a common surname among many linguistic groups of India. K. M. Munshi was a Gujrati and a famous Indologist. Munshis exist in almost all the Hindi-speaking areas of India. Munshi means a clerk. Mr. Fauq says that a certain Pandit of Tikoo family was employed as a Munshi during the rule of Sikhs or Pathans. He was the most intelligent and efficient Munshi Kashmir had ever seen. Therefore, he became famous by his professional name and his children were also known by this name.
Wazir - The Pandits employed in the service of Wazirs of Kashmir during Pathan and Mughal rule became gradually famous by the name of Wazir.
Chakbast - 'Chak' in Kashmiri is the name given to a large piece of land. Chakdari was a common £eature of Kashmir's agrarian system. It was abolished after the end of Dogra regime in 1948. Before the passing of Agrarian laws large pieces of land would be given to influential zamindars as the 'Chaks' on a nominal rent. Therefore, the officers entrusted with the job of keeping a regular- account of these land holdings were known as 'Chakbast.' They were also known as Kanoongo.
Bhan - It is an ancient Kashmiri nickname given, perhaps, to those who sold the utensils. Bhan is the name of the Sun also but this name does not justify itself to be a source of a nickname or a family name. There is a locality, known as, 'Bana Mohalla', in Srinagar.
Langar or Langroo - Some of their ancestor must have been the manager of a Government kitchen. His descendants were, therefore, nicknamed Langar or Langroo.
Wattal - It is a very derogatory term and is used for a low caste tribe. It is also used for a person who indulges into very mean and lowly acts. It is presumed that some Pandit must have been appointed as an officer of Wattals, who himself was later on known by this very name.
Fauq says that during Hindu rule many people swept the premises of temples, without any compensation, out of devotion to the presiding deity of the temple. They and their descendants were later nicknamed as Wattal. One more theory being forwarded is that the Pandits whose family name is Wattal are the descendants of some famous saint by the name of Wattal Nath.
Bazaz - Some ancestor of the family must have been a cloth merchant.
Taimini - It is presumed some Pandit must have been under the service of Taimini Pathans of Kabul and earned this nickname. Fauq believes it to be a word of Hindu or Buddhist origin and considers this family to be the followers of some Rishi or Muni. At the same time, it is suspected that some ancestor of this family might have been of black colour, and was called Tamini as the Tamun in Kashmiri means the carbon formed on the bottom of the utensils.
Mattu - It is derived from the Sanskrit word Math. Some of the ancestor of this family must have either been a founder or a manager of some Math.
Chak - Employees of Chak Kings.
Zalpuri - Employees of traders from Zablistan. It is often mispronounced out of Kashmir as Zalpari.
Khar - It means an *** in Kashmiri. A Pandit employed to realise taxes from donkey drivers (Markaban).
Hazari - A servant of Hazari Pathan's got this nickname.
Zutshi - It is a corrupt form of the word Jyotshi. Zutshis are reported to have been distinguished astrologers and Sanskrit scholars.
Razdan - The census report of 1819 states that Razdan is a corrupted form of ancient Sanskrit epithet Rajanak. Stein is of the view that 'the title Rajanak, meaning literaly "a king", used to be given for services rendered to the King. The title has survived in the form of Razdan as a family name of very free occurrence among the Brahmans of Kashmir. It was borne by Rajanaka Ratanakara, the author of the Haravijaya (9th Century), and by many Kashmirian authors of note enumerated in the Vamsaprasasti which Anama Rajanaka (17th Century) has appended to his commentary on the Nisadhacarita.
As the designation of certain high officials (Muhammadans), the term Rajanaka is often used by Srivara and in the fourth chron (also in the shortened form Rajana).' R. S. Pandit states that the title Rajanaka was continued under Muhammadan rule and was conferred on Muslim officers.
Tikoo - It is said to have originated from the 'Trika'. The members of this family were special devotees of the goddess 'Tripura'. Fauq has given one more explanation stating that an ancestor of this family adopted a non-Brahman boy who was deemed to have become a Brahman by a Tika (a sacred mark on the forehead of a Brahman). He and his descendants were later nicknamed as Tiku.
Kathju - Pandit family residing at Kathleshwar in Tanki Pora (a mohalla of Srinagar) was nicknamed Kathju.
Sopori - Pandits of Srinagar, whose ancestors migrated from Sopore, or the descendants of Soya Pandit (founder of Sopore) were known as Sopori. Kashmiri Pandits of this nickname in plains have hanged the word Sopori into Shivpori.
Thussoo - Emigrants from a village Thus, in Kulgam Tehsil, to the Srinagar city became known by the name of their native village.
Haksar - Emigrants from a village named Hakchar in district Baramullah.
Raina - It is stated that the Pandits who originally belonged to Rainawari and later settled down in the main city were known as Raina. Mr. Fauq states that Rainawari was the capital of the famous King Rana Datta 436 A.D.-497 A.D. There was also a large garden of this king situated at the site of present Rainawari and Vari in Kashmiri means a garden. Thus Rainawari meant a garden belonging to the king Ranadatta. Another view expressed is that it, like Razdan, is a corrupted form of the title Rajanaka.
Waloo or Wali - A fire chimney in Kashmiri is called Wol. One who got constructed a fire chimney in his house at first was immediately nicknamed as Wol, which in due course of time became, Waloo and Wali.
Wantu/Wanchu - Wantu in Kashmiri is used for a hard walnut. It is impossible to get a full Kernel (GIRI) out of a hard walnut, even if it is broken into pieces. Some of the ancestor of this family must have been a top class miser and was compared to a 'Wont doon' (hard walnut). Thus was this nickname started to continue for generations.
Gamkhwar - A Pandit was a born sympathiser. He would share the sorrow of one and all. Somebody out of envey nicknamed him Gamkhar. Mr. Fauq reports that one Sadanand Koul was given the title of Gamkhar by the Mughal King Shah Jahan. His progeny was also known by this title.
Kakh - An elder brother, uncle or a cousin was out of reverence called as Kakh. Some Pandit for his good and generous nature seems to have won the public respect and was called Kakh by the people, other than his family members. He lost his real appellation and was along with his progeny known as Kak.
However, there are repeated references of the family name Kak in Rajtarangini. Shaloka 1311 of Taranga VII reads, 'As his passage was blocked by warriors of the Kaka and other educated families, he retreated from. . .' R. S. Pandit in a footnote to above Shaloka says that the Kaka family is repeatedly referred to by Kalhana. Shaloka 180 and 599 of Taranga VIII says, 'holders of high military rank and others, brave men such as Tilka of the family of Kaka. . .'. 'From the very midst of ..., Sufi captured alive in battle the brave knight Sobhka sprung from the family of Kaka...' Kaks in the ancient Kashmir, therefore, belonged to a military class.
Mushran - An awkward and ugly man with a huge and powerful body is called Mushran. Some ancestor of this family must have been nicknamed as mushran because of his unusual physique and, later his descendants continued to be called by this name.
Sharga - It is corrupt form of Shogo (a parrot). Some member of the family was having small eyes and a long nose like a parrot.
Handoo - This nickname was given to a Pandit who was fat and fresh like a sheep or to those Pandits who somehow were connected with flocks of sheep.
Gurtu - It is a nickname given, perhaps, to those Razdans whose some ancestor was of Gurtu (yellow) colour. Gurtu is now used for those Pandits who do not cook meat and fish on the Shivratri festival.
Kichloo - It means a long-beared in Kashmiri Some elder of the family must have developed a long beard and received this nickname.
Ganjoo - A bald man's nickname or an appellation for a man who was put in-charge of Ganj
I missed one more surname here is Bhatt which is again a prominent community of Kashmir....
My in laws or many other relatives are also Bhatt from Uttaranchal though.....
Temples across jnk -----
For ages, it is believed from the Mythological times that Rishi Kashyapa came to Kashmir and brought with him traditions, religion, mythology etc. All the holy rivers were named by him. The tallest peaks and mountains were named after deities. Over the passage of time, all these rivers, mountains, peaks etc., became places of worship. The valley of Kashmir is known as Deva Bhoomi.
Welfare of the Kashmiri people is uppermost in the minds of Their Holinesses Pujyasri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji and Pujyasri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamiji. Their Holinesses have performed yatras to J&K. The Seers have been striving hard towards the preservation of the Vedic Dharma there. With the blessings and benign guidance of Their Holinesses Pujyasri Shankaracharya Swamijis, several programmes including Havans, Pilgrimage, Vedic recitations and cultural activities with a focus on Kashmir have been organized by Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in recent times, bringing to the fore, the importance of Kashmir to our traditions and culture.
As yet another initiative to highlight the richness of our culture in Kashmir, and as an eyeopener to the greatness of this Land, this article "Temples of Jammu and Kashmir" along with the photos taken recently of the various temples of Jammu and Kashmir are presented here.
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Kheer Bhawani (The Holy Spring of Tulla Mulla)
The Divine Mother, Goddess Maharajni is the presiding deity. This temple is connected to Ramayanam. The color of the Spring water changes depending on the times. Great souls like Swami Vivekananda has visited this Holy Place. Jyeshta Ashtami festival is very famous and during this festival, more than 30000 Kashmiri Pandits visit this Shrine to offer their prayers.
Khir Bhawani - Kashmir Temples
Presiding Deity - In the midst of the spring water Khir Bhawani - Kashmir Temples
His Holiness at Kheer Bhawani Temple
Khir Bhawani - Kashmir Temples
Devotees making floral rangoli and lighting diyas(lamps) Khir Bhawani - Kashmir Temples
Temple Entrance
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Amarnath Cave Shrine of God Almighty Siva (Ice Lingam)
One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living God. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. This is the holy cave in which the ice-lingam of Lord Siva is formed, changing its size with the waning and waxing of the moon.
Amarnath- Kashmir Temples
The Ice Shiv Ling
His Holiness at Amarnath - Kashmir Temples
His Holiness performing puja at Amarnath
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Sankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
This is the Hill where Adi Sankara Bagavat Pada meditated during his visit to Kashmir. The temple of Lord Shiva is situated atop the Hill. It is a wonderful sight to see Srinagar from the top of the Hill. The Shankaracharya Temple, also known as the Jyesteshwara temple, is located in Srinagar, Kashmir. The Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is overlooking the town of Srinagar.The Shankaracharya temple in Kashmir is situated in the Srinagar district on a hill, at a height of 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the hill. It is believed that Raja Gopadatya got the temple constructed , giving it the name of Gopadri. Sri Adi Shankaracharya is supposed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir to revive Sanatan Dharma, thus giving the temple the name of Shankaracharya Mandir and the hill itself is referred to as Shankaracharya Hill. The temple is of great importance, not only from the point of view of religion, but also from architectural viewpoint. A high octagonal platform supports the temple, approached by a flight of approximately hundred steps. The sidewalls of the steps once bore some valuable inscriptions.
Amarnath- Kashmir Temples
Shankaracharya Mandir
His Holiness at Amarnath - Kashmir Temples
Another view of the temple
His Holiness at Shankaracharya Hill, Kashmir
His Holiness at the Shankaracharya Hill Temple - April 2012
Their Holinesses at the Shankaracharya Hill
Their Holinesses at the Shankaracharya Temple, Kashmir - June 1997
Plaque commemorating visit of His Holiness to Shankaracharya Hill
Plaque commemorating visit of Their Holinesses to Shankaracharya Hill in June, 1997
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Shailaputri (Nagabal, Baramulla)
This Teertha is situated on the left bank of the Vitasta river at Baramulla. This deity is very famous in this part of Kashmir, also known as miniature Ksheer Bhawani.
Shailaputri- Kashmir Temples
Shailaputri- Kashmir Temples
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Sri Vaishnodevi (Jammu)
This temple is as famous as Amarnathji or Ksheer Bhawani in Kashmir. Divine Mother is worshiped in the form of Vaishnavi. A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as “Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata” which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). Daily pilgrims to this Temple exceed 30000. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.
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Sun Temple and Sun Tirth at Martand
This temple (tirth) is close to a village near Anantnag known as Mattan. There is a spring here and a small rivulet by name Chaka is flowing close by. Thousands of devotees perform Shradhas to their deceased ancestors.
The ruins of a magnificent Temple known as Martand can be found in this Village, which was built by Emperor Lalitadiya. The Martand Sun Temple was built by King of Karkota Dynasty - Lalitaditya Muktapida in 8th century AD. It is said to have been built during 725-756 AD. The foundation of the temple is said to have been around 370-500 AD., and also some attributed the construction of the temple began with Ranaditya. The temple was completely destroyed by Sikandar Butshikan in early 15th century.
Click here to read more about "Martand "- An article by Dr. R. Nagaswamy
Video of the Martand Temple
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Sharada Mataji (Jammu)
The ancient Sharada Mandir, which Adi Sankara visited, is now in Azad Kashmir. This Temple is situated on the banks of Kishanganga river. The people who were displaced from that place after partition of India, have now settled in Bantalab in Jammu. They have built a Temple similar to the one in Azad Kashmir. Sarda Devi is also known here as Goddess Saraswati. From time immemorial, Kashmir is known as Sharadapeeth.
Sarada Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Sarada Mandir- Kashmir Temples
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Sharika Chakreshwar Temple (Hari Parbat)
A hillock in Srinagar City, Hari Parbat has many temples. The famous one (main temple) is Goddess Sharika. This deity is the presiding deity of Kahsmir. This is considered as a ‘Siddha Peeta’ / ‘Sakthi Peeta’. Navratra is the festival annually performed here. The Cosmic Mother here represents the solar energy, having seven components; Seven worlds, Seven colours of light, Seven Rishis of Veda Vidya. The energy here is personified as “Solar Energy”.
Sharika Devi Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Sharika Devi Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Sharika Devi Mandir- Kashmir Temples
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Pandrethan(Srinagar)
This is the temple of Shiv-Rilhanesvara built in the middle of the spring, in the 10th Century AC.
Pandrethan, now mostly in ruins, is one of Kashmir's historic capitals, said by Kalhana in his poetical account of Kashmiri history called Rajatarangini to have been founded by king Pravarsena in the 6th century AD. Its name thus derives from Puranadishthana or 'old town'. The small stone Shiva temple in the picture dates from the mid-10th century, reputedly erected by a minister named Meru. It was set in a spring-fed tank and its plinth is now submerged. Its interior has one of the finest surviving temple ceilings in Kashmir, consisting of three intersecting squares formed by diagonally placed lintels, the soffit decorated with a lotus. This general view, looking across the pool towards the temple, is reproduced in Henry Hardy Cole's Archaeological Survey of India report, 'Illustrations of Ancient Buildings in Kashmir,' (1869), in which he wrote, 'The small village of Pandrethan is situated on the Jhelum, about a mile and a half to the south-east of Srinagar...The Temple is close to the village, and stands in the center of a tank of water...At the time of my visit, the water was about two feet over the floor of the Temple, and I had to obtain a small boat to enable me and my surveyors to take measurements. The stone ceiling is elaborately carved in bas-relief figures, and it is one of the most perfect pieces of ancient carving that exists in Kashmir...The pyramidal roof is divided into two portions by an ornamental band. The corner pilasters are surmounted by carved capitals, and the pediments of the porches appear to have terminated with a melon-shaped ornament. The ceiling is formed of nine blocks of stone; four resting over the angles of the cornice, reduce the opening to a square, and an upper course of four stones still further reduces the opening, which is covered by a single block decorated with a large lotus.
Pandrethan Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Pandrethan Mandir- Kashmir Temples
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Ganpatyar Temple (Srinagar)
Somyar Temple
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Raghunathji Temple (Jammu)
Situated at the city center the inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides while the interiors of the temple are plated with gold. There are many galleries of saligrams. The Temple is dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic Ramayana which make it a rare site to behold. The temple consists of seven shrines, each with a tower of its own. The main sanctuary is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's eighth incarnation the Rama.
His Holiness' visit to Jammu His Holiness' visit to Jammu
His Holiness performing Harati to the Presiding Deity of the Mandir
His Holiness' visit to JammuHis Holiness' visit to Jammu
His Holiness' visit to Jammu
Raghunath mandir in the backdrop
His Holiness' visit to Jammu
On the way to Sanskrit Research Centre
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Bave Wali Mata (Goddess Mahakali)
The Bahu fort today serves as a religious temple is situated on the left bank of the river Tawi. This is perhaps the oldest fort constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The temple inside is dedicated to the Goddess Kali popularly known as Bave wali Mata. Bave Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu . Tuesday and Sunday are special days for worship for the devotees. Fort is surrounded by a beautiful terraced garden. The famous temple of Bawey Wali Mata inside the Bahu Fort is also known as the temple of Mahakali Goddess and is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi.
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Ranbireshwar Temple (Jammu)
Ranbireshwar Temple is the other well -known Shiva temple in Jammu. Ranbireshwar Temple has its own legend, its devotees and specific days of worship. This famour temple of Lord Shiva is located opposite Jammu & Kashmr Civil Secretariat, on Shalamar Road in Jammu. In Ranbireshwar Temple, there are twelve Shiva ‘lingams’ of crystal measuring 12" to 18" and galleries with thousands of ‘saligrams’ fixed on stone slabs.
Ranvireshwar Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Ranvireshwar Mandir- Kashmir Temples
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Peer Kho cave temple (Jammu)
The Peer Kho cave temple overlooking the Tawi river is another well known Shiva temple in Jammu. Peer Kho cave is located on the bank of river Tawi and it is widely believed that Ramayan character Jamvant (the bear God) meditated in this cave.
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Avantipora Temple (ruins)
At Avantipura itself Avantivarman erected two magnificent temples, one dedicated to Lord Vishnu called "Avantisvamin" and the other to Lord Shiva called "Avantisvara" the former built before his accession to the throne and the latter after obtaining sovereignty. The king was a devout worshipper of Lord Vishnu from his childhood and remained Vaishnava in the core of his heart till his death. However, out of great regard for his minister Sura who was a devotee of Shiva, he made the other temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
Avantiswamin and Avantiswar Temples on the left bank of River Jhelum lies at a distance of 32 km towards south of Srinagar on the National Highway.
Click here to read more about "Avantipur" - An article by Dr. R. Nagaswamy
Avantiswamin Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Avantiswamin Temple
Avantiswamin Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Avantiswamin temple
Avantiswar Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Avantiswar Temple Avantiswamin Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Avantiswar Temple
Avantiswara Mandir- Kashmir Temples
His Holiness at the Avantiswara Temple during His Yatra to J&K in April, 2012
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Zyeshta Mata Mandir - Zeeth Ya’r (Srinagar)
Zeshta's origin relates to an important event which took place during the churning of great ocean kshirasagra. Devtas and Asuras bothj desirous of attaining morality were yearning for getting the nectar from Ksirasagara. At the same time they were conscious that this nectar would become available to them only if Lord Shiva, who is holder and controller of Ksirasagara, permitted them to churn it. So both the parties, with great reverence, adored, the Lord. Pleased with their adoration and devotion, Lord Siva gifted condition that whatever substance came out there from would be shared by both Devtas and Asuras equally.
Unaware of the nature of the substance that would come out after churning of the ocean, they gladly accepted the condition.
Feeling delighted and getting the help of Mandara parvata, Narayana and Vasukinaga, the Devtas and Asuras started the process of churning. Although initially they got fourteen gems of which one gem was in the form of Goddess Lakshmi but suddenly it started evaporating poison in the form of Kalakuta or Halahala-- the terrible poison having its lethal effect to destroy whole universe instantaneously. The Devas who were given the control over thirteen gems, too were frightened about Kalakuta. Being of a very virulent character, the moment it appeared after churning, it started engulfing everything and burn it up. It was beyong their power to control it. They were desparate and adored Lord Shiva to come to their rescue. The Lord, who is Trilokinatha, protector of the Universe, was pleased and bestowed his Anugraha to his creation by consuming the poison. But in order to protect Parvati (Lord Siva's energyies), he stored it in his throat. That is the reason why Lord Siva's throat is bluish in appearance. The Devas and Asuras were delighted and they again adored Lord Siva by addressing him Nilkantha.
The Devas bestowed Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Visnu. This infuriated the Asuras. In their anger they snatched her from Lord Vishnu and kept her in captivity in a cave called "Guptagara" (now Gupkar). This action of Asuras gave rise to wrath of Lord Siva and with his divine force he created Goddess Zestha and Vira Vaitala with powers to annihilate all the Asuras and free goddess Lakshmi from their
clutches. Upon accomplishment of the task, Lord Shiva by his grace bestowed both of them with the power of protection and upliftment of mankind. The abode of Mata Zyestha is at a stones throw from the place called "Gupkar" in the Srinagar city. All the devotees worshipping Goddess Zyestha are fully protected and receive Mother's grace uninterruptedly . It has been a tradition to offer 'cooked yellowish rice" (in kashmiri "tehar") on all thursdays during the month of Zyesth.
This famous ancient shrine of Kashmir for worldly people is a place for attaining Siddi, Riddhi and Buddhi in all fields. This is the now famous Zyeshta Matha Temple. Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam organizes various havans in this temple for welfare of inhabitants in this part of the world.
Zyeshta Mata Mandir- Kashmir Temples
The shrine - set amidst sylvan surroundings Zyeshta Mata Mandir- Kashmir Temples
His Holiness at the Jyeshta Mata's Shrine
Zyeshta Mata Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Zyeshta Devi's Shrine Zyeshta Mata Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Lord Shiva's Shrine
His Holiness at Jyeshta Devi Shrine:
Avadharaya at Jyeshta Mata Mandir:
Related News: Samskruti Saptah held at Shrinagar, J&K , 20-26 April 2012
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Sankaragaurisvara Temple at Patan
The Shankaragaurishvara temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and located in Patan near Baramulla, India. The temple was built by Shankaravarman of Kashmir's Utpala dynasty who ruled between 883-902 C.E. It is presently in a dilapidated condition and worship is no longer conducted. It is built in a style similar to the Shankaracharya temple.
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Aap Shambhu Temple, Jammu
Temple at Sathrian in Roopnagar area of Jammu city is an ancient stone temple having a self- manifested stone Lingam According to a legend, in the times immemorial this entire place was an uninhabited jungle, the milky cows and buffaloes used to come to the Lingam after grazing and shed entire milk on the Lingam.
Aap Shambo Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Aap Shambo Mandir- Kashmir Temples
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Miscellaneous:
There are many more religious places in this Holy Land. Some important ones are given below:
Bheda Devi Tirtha; Kapatesvara Tirtha; Various Nags such as Naran Nag; Sheshnag; Panchtarni; Mamalishwar; Kapal Mochan; Vasuki Nag;
Aap Shambo Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Bajrang Das Mandir, Srinagar
Aap Shambo Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Bajrang Das Mandir, Srinagar
Aap Shambo Mandir- Kashmir Temples
Fategarh
Ganesh Mandir, Srinagar
Ganeshji Temple, Srinagar
Gaurishankar Mandir
Gaurishankar Mandir Gaurishankar Mandir
Gaurishankar Mandir
Gautam Nag
Gautam Nag - Presiding Deity Gautam Nag
Gautam Nag Temple
Old Baramullah
Shiv Temple - Old Baramullah Shiv Mandir Khud - J&K
Shiv Mandir, Khud
Shiv Tirth - Old Baramullah
Shiv Tirth - Old Baramullah(Varahamula) Shiv Tirth - Old Baramullah
Shiv ji - Old Baramullah (Varahamula)
Sugandisha
Sugandisha Srinagar Museum
At the Srinagar Museum
