Ram Leela Celebrations of Basohli

The preparations to this end are being made at war footing and all those efforts are being made which will go a long way in making the celebrations a complete success so that it may leave a permanent impact on the viewers. Wide publicity is being given to it to attract a good number of the viewers from within and the adjoining states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. In order to make it interesting and colorful, the assistance of many state departments is being sought.

According to the information available from the senior most citizens of the town, Ram Leela celebrations in Basohli date back to early twentieth century i.e. from Oct. - Nov. 1911. Before the celebrations reached the present stage it passed through many social, administrative problems and financial constraints. In the beginning years of the celebrations, Ram Leela was celebrated in the open ground amidst a big disciplined crowd surrounding the arena where the artists used to perform their roles attired in very simple costumes. The artists distinguished themselves from the spectators wigs and beard made from the bark of Dhamman tree called saels (used for making strings for weaving cots). The presentation was called Ras Leela which was performed by the artists (Raas Dhari) from the locality and from the villages of the adjoining Punjab and Himachal Pradesh states. The mode of presentation of Ram Leela went on changing with the passage of time and later on the presentation covered the whole chougan. Earlier, the ground was divided into five stages one each for Ram Durbar, Ravan Durbar, and Ashoke Vatika and for Sumeru Parbat where as rest of space is reserved for use of sets for Panch Vati, huts for Saints/ seers and for different battles between various fighting factions of that time. Those days Ram Leela used to start in the afternoon in the broad day light due to the non availability of lighting arrangements. At night hours famous Hindi nataks (dramas) of that time like, Krishan Sudama, Bilvamangal, Rukmaniharn and Shravan Kumar were staged in the bright light of the patromaxs. The pitch of the artists used to be very high which could be heard from half mile distance without PA system as is available these days. Achievements in the celebrations and innovations in the presentation required much money which was very difficult during those days with poor economical conditions of the natives and little or no means of livelihood. The graph of presentation of Ram Leela showed gradual decline year after year till it reached its end.

Before Ram Leela could fade from the village management of the organization came in the able hands of Late Sh. Khushi Ram Padha and his devoted and honest team comprising of S. Sh. Ishwar Dass Padha Nathu Ram Abrol, Pushap Raj Purohit, Hari Krishan Nayyar, Prem Mahajan, Jagan Nath Gulehi, Ram Mehta, Sdershan Mishra/Chouhana, late Sh. Kishori Lal Sharma and many devoted persons who brought the financial condition of Ram Leela on concrete footing.

The present life like scenes pertaining to glowing of Lakshman Rekha, descending of Lord Hanuman from sky with mountain, Dhanush Yagya, felling of seven tar trees with one arrow by Lord Ram and crossing Sarju by boat by Ram, Sita and Lakshman were the brain child of Mulkh Raj Gupta, Govind Ram Kapoor, whereas the management of costumes etc. was taken care by Madan Lal Chang and Dev Raj Raina. Ram Leela feels proud in having a vocal classical musician Sh. Devinder Nath Premi, who has got no match in the whole state, and who had been working as music director of Ram Leela for many years. Krishan Chand Pathania, Sri Ram Kapoor and Nikka ram Achrya had been the extraordinary comedians of Basohli stage. Among the past artists the names of Late Tara chand Pangotra, Nathu Ram Purohit, Chand Kishore Ranadey are worth mentioning.

Ram Leela festival excels in many ways in the matter of its secular character as Muslim brothers have been taking keen interest in making the festival a complete success in the matters of presentations and management. Nazir Ahmed Chouhan, Shuker Din and others had played famous characters of Ram Leela. This is the festival when all the married daughters and employees from all the communities come to their homes and spend few days with their families and friends.

Now-a-days Ram Leela Basohli by dint of its presentation and devotion has carved out a place among the popular festivals of the state and the country. Life like presentation, sanctity and devotion of the people attracts good number of visitors during the celebrations every year. This year, being the year of centenary celebrations has got some special attractions like:

Illuminationof roads and buildings in the town.

Organising cultural shows from different states

Free langar for the persons coming from outside the town.

Organising exhibition and workshop on Basohli painting by NGO Vishavsthali during the festival.

Prize distribution for the outstanding services rendered by the citizens.

Like every year the state government is again requested to declare the Basohli Ram Leela as state festival on the pattern of Sindhu darshan of Leh and Jhiri Mela of Jammu and deploy the information Deptt. And Door Darshan to cover the festival for its telecast on the national network. It is requested to all to turn up in good number and add to its glory.

Kashmir Tourism in Summer

Here Arrives New Blissful Summer! 

As you walk past Dal lake, you can see a picture being painted of a beauty, a beauty so realistic yet never imagined. With colours and faces everywhere, lights and noises everywhere a different hush, a different bliss, a new summer is here!

As the mercury has started soaring in the valley life seems to have come to a full bloom for Kashmir. A walk along the Dal lake gives a picture of the delight the summer heat has brought.

Since the last unrest it is now that people seem to have been enjoying the outside more than just the inside their homes. Streets have become claustrophobic for the pedestrians and cars are honking away, with people ready for a new destination everyday.

A young boy dives into the Dal splashing water all over and creating ripples in the lake, as various other children around him jump in joy. The summer has set in. As you look at the opposite side you can see the popular parks abuzz with the activities of tourists and locals of the valley enjoying some hot snacks and getting mesmerized with the ghazals and music being played or performed live. The famous ‘Chhalli’ point looks livelier with parked cars and windows drawn down and some young faces enjoying hot `Chhallis’ sprinkled with salt and lemon juice.

On the other side while you walk on the Boulevard Road along Dal, you can see many colorful shikaras like the gondolas of Venice more like ferry rides taking tourists up and down in the lake. Often you can spot a vendor selling Kashmiri craft in some of the Shikaras while photographers making tourists wear Kashmiri traditional dress and clicking pictures can also be seen. Far at a distance you can see family pictures being taken in the Char Chinar island in between the Dal lake.

You can also see some European tourists and some Indian tourists on the decks of the house boats basking in the sun, reading magazines and newspapers or often just looking over their house boats at the majestic view of the Dal lake.

Around the valley you can also see huge number of children, school students and college students, standing in queues in front of the ice cream vendors and gol gappa stalls. Shoppers are seen relaxing and taking ice cream breaks and cold drink sips while little kids are seen with caps and colorful sun glasses. 

Family picnics have also geared up for places to visit in kashmir  the valley; not only the Boulevard Road but other tourist spots in and around Kashmir valley have been the hubs of locals and tourists in the past few days.

“Tourism is in its in full swing as of now. As we had expected, every resort is receiving its due proportion of tourists,” said an official of the tourism department.

“Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Manasbal are doing extremely good as far as tourism and business is concerned,” he added.

Daksum, Doodh Patheri, Aharbal, Wullar lake, Nageen lake, Yusmarg, Bungus Valley are the recently developed tourist spots that are picking up pace in Kashmir. Families settled outside, students studying abroad and in and around India are back in Kashmir and making the most of their vacations while beating the summer heat and are venturing around these new exotic places of Kashmir.

Asma, a student of Delhi University says she is glad to be home. She added, “Kashmir has always been home and it feels great to come here. Delhi has tall buildings and more freedom, but it lacks the scenic beauty like Kashmir has. We get more family time here and we can go around to the mountains and gardens and enjoy.”

“Life is so fast and hectic outside,” says Irtiza who lives in the US and works in an IT firm. “Life becomes smoother and more relaxed; I can almost feel my pulse at a smoother and calmer pace. It is breathtaking here, my family and I are enjoying and making the most of the one month I have here till I fly back,” he adds with a smile.

From Shikaras owners to top business men, every one is doing a great job. And as the summer soars in, they are expecting a greater trade this year. “Last year our business was bad, we lost a lot of money, but with God’s grace we are doing fine this year,” said Imran a shawl weaver.

With the kashmir tourism season just taking over, tourists as well as the traders are hoping for a great summer this year. And so do we, walking past Dal, picture this beauty into a reality and the threshold reaches new horizons!

Amarnath Yatra commencement decided

Pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave in the Himalayas has a long history, one that could be called a model of tolerance and coexistence among the people of various faiths. Three years ago, the issue of pilgrimage to the holy cave was politicized by stakeholders taking recourse to very small and not too serious matters connected with the pilgrimage. The miscreants wanted to create a wedge between two communities by inducing them to adopt confrontational stances. However, fortunately, this did not happen, and after some intervention by saner elements in civil society and the government, the irritants were removed and normal course of pilgrimage was restored. An understanding of sorts was arrived at and stakeholders were happy that an atmosphere of peace and amity was restored. But perhaps this attitude of understanding and mutual respect did not suit the elements with vested interest and each year on the occasion of the beginning of the pilgrimage, some issues are stoked and over-exaggerated just to recreate the atmosphere of controversies and misunderstandings. This time, the controversy was raised about the duration of the pilgrimage and when should it commence. The government and the Shrine Board looked at the entire issue from security point of view and also the feasibility of the track leading to the holy cave, while the organizers of the pilgrimage (NIYAS) wanted that the pilgrimage begins on a date of their choosing and much in advance of the Shravana Purnima, the day on which the lingam in the cave comes of full size and the pilgrims want a darshan of the same. It appeared that postures were getting hardened on either side and the fear was of repetition of earlier stalemate.

But the good news has come in just when we were waiting in wings to advise both sides not to lose their cool. The state government on Monday, in its last-ditch effort, finally succeeded in settling the controversy over the duration of the annual Amarnath yatra. Three senior functionaries of the government flew into Jammu to facilitate talks between the Shrine Board and the contesting groups. During their meeting with the representatives of Baba Amarnath Yatri Niyas (BAYN)--- - an amalgam of several political, religious, social and trade organizations---the government functionaries successfully brought a consensus over the start of annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Talking to the media persons soon after the meeting, the Niyas president Surinder Mohan Aggarwal claimed, "We have reached an agreement with the government that two members of the NIYAS and as many from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) will perform pratham (first) darshan pooja (pay obeisance) at cave shrine on Jyeshta Purnima that falls on June 15. We were in favour of start of Yatra from Jyeshta Purnima so that pratham darshan are performed. The government agreed to perform pooja on June 15, marking the start of the Yatra." As per the agreement, also approved by the Governor in his capacity as the Chairman of Shrine Board, two members of the NIYAS and as many from the Board would pay symbolic obeisance at cave shrine on June 15, marking the start of pilgrimage.

The news of an agreement on the controversy about the commencement and duration of the pilgrimage has come at proper time to the relief of everybody concerned. This shows that if handled properly and justifiably any ticklish issue can be resolved without causing irritation. It is also a matter of relief to know that the negotiating teams agreed to decide the date of commencement and duration of next year's pilgrimage also so that nothing is left to speculation.

Though an amicable resolution of the matter has been arrived at through the intervention of the government but the fact remains that in a secular democracy, governments normally avoid interfering in religious matters and their dispensation is left to the discretion of accredited religious leaders only. We hope that in future, the Shrine Board will exercise its powers and skills judiciously to resolve any issue relating to the Amarnath Pilgrimage or any other religious function. That is usually safe for the government. We do understand the inevitability of the state government intervening in the issue owing to the awkward history of the Amarnath yatra during past three summers and the disturbed conditions of the State. But as soon as normalcy returns to the valley, we hope the government will have no need to supervene in controversies of religious nature.

Lalleshuri Lal Vakh

Kenchan Deithumm Oaray Aalaav 

Kenchav Ruttahaaye Naalai Veuth 

Kenchan Muss Chath Achhee Laajee Taalav

Kenchan Papith Gayee Haaluv Kheuth 

Lalleshuri Says:--

“To some of your devotees you give a call from above and they became one with you. Some as a result of your bounty enjoy to their hearts content the nectar of your grace at its very fountainhead. Some regrettably get drunk so deeply with the worldly attractions that they become totally blind to your divine grace while some ... See More suddenly fall from the pinnacle of your blessing just as a farmer loses his entire field of ripe crop to the sudden attack of a huge mass of flying insects.”    ( Holy Mother Bhuvaneshwari )

The grace of the Lord is a strange display of his bounty. Each one is honoured according to his worth and capacity. Some devotees of the Lord achieve the ultimate realization of self instantly and such is the depth of their devotion that they... See More’re virtually invited from above to accept the divine grace. Such a generosity is not out of any sweet will of the Lord but they deserve it and strangely enough still they do not desire. There’re some exclusive devotees of the Lord who enjoy God’s grace to such an extent that they swig the whole nectar in a single gulp. It suggests the rarest of the rare example of complete merger with the universal Lord, being one with Him which’s the complete absence of duality between the seeker and the sought. The next case is of the worldly wise who gets engrossed in the affairs so intensely that he never looks back and goes on pursuing worldly wealth and collecting materials as if he has to be here for all times together. He understands the truth when he nears his end and tries to look back but the time is lost and occasion missed. He passes away to face the divine justice and accept his merit. Then there’s another instance of a saadak who reaches the height of his realization and grace of the almighty through his personal virtues but has a sudden fall from his height as the consequence of some gross fault committed by him. Lalleshuri compares the event to the loss of a farmer’s full farm produce by a sudden attack of a mass of worms who eat up his whole season’s travail in a single go and leave him fully impoverished

Sudhmahadev Fair Festival

According to yet another legend, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Raja Mantalai wished to marry Lord Shiva at this place. And, this marriage was solemnized in a temple near a pond. So, on the name of that pond, this place is called Mantalai, where Man means great and pond talai. (   Sudh Mahadev temple )

This year, Sudhmahadev fair is being held from 25th June. Thousands of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana tourists from abroad come to participate in this folk fair. Hundreds of locals also pour in this fair attired in their traditional dresses and costumes.

Situated in the lap of Siwaliks at an elevation of 1500m lies a historic Lord Shiva's shrine, called Sudhmahadev. It commands a scenic view of its surroundings on all sides and is located amidst sylvan setting of snow clad mountains and evergreen forests of pines. It is about 120 km away from Jammu city, 55 km in the north of Udhampur town and 23 km from Chenani. Sudhmahadev is not only popular for its Lord Shiva's shrine but has also remained famous for a Yoga Ashram of late Dhirender Brahmchari at Mantalai which is 8 km from Sudhmahadev.   (  Harmukh Harmukuta ganga Gangabal region )

Every year, three days annual fair is organized at Sudhmahadev on Jyeshtha Purnima (full moon) of Bikrami era, which generally comes off in the month of May every year according to Christan era. Sometimes, this Purnima, however, falls in the month of June, coinciding with the Haarh Purnima. This year, Sudhmahadev's fair is being held with effect from 25th June. Thousands of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and tourists from abroad come to participate in this folk fair. Hundreds of locals also pour in this fair attired in their traditional dresses and costumes.

Sudhmahadev shrine has a temple that houses a black coloured marble idol of the Lord Shiva along with His consort the Goddess Parvati mounted on Nandigan (Bull) and huge trident (Trishul). This idol of Lord Shiva is called Aap Shambu (Swayambu Shiv Shambu) lingam. Sudhmahadev shrine is 2800 or 3000 years old and its temple is narrated to be built by the Raja of Chenani, Ram Dev about 500 years ago. This temple has dhooni which commemorates the spiritual attainment of Swami Baba Roopnath, who used to live in the temple and his dooni has been kept constantly burning eversince. (  Shiv Parvati Shrine )

Legends
Of the various legends regarding Sudhmahadev shrine, the most leading one relates to Sudheet or Sudanshu, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva but in his fore birth he was demon. Being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Sudhanshu used to meditate in the lush green forests of Sudhmahadev. In the vicinity of Sudhmahadev, Goddess Parvati, daughter of Raja Mantalai also used to worship the Lord Shiva. It is stated that one day Sudanshu approached Mata Parvati to pay his obeisance. Since Sudhanshu was demon in his fore birth, so his demonic appearance frightened Mata Parvati and she gave a loud shriek.

Hearing this shriek Lord Shiva who was meditating on the highest peak of Shivgarh facing Gaurikund got infuriated; He flung his trident to protect Goddess Parvati. The trident instantly struck on Sudanshu's head fatally. While Sudanshu was dying, he called on Lord Shiva again and again so Lord Shiva realized that he had committed a mistake by killing his devotee. Lord Shiva then himself reached the spot and offered Sudanshu to bring him in life again. Sudanshu did not agree and preferred to have salvation at the hands of Lord Shiva. With his sincere devotion, lord Shiva gave him a promise that his name would be prefixed to Lord Shiva's name at this place. Since then it has been called Sudhmahadev. The trident that struck Sudanshu stands installed near the temple. This trident bears inscription in Brahamai character of Gupt period and lingum lying inside the temple is the same where Sudanshu used to worship Lord Shiva.

According to yet another legend, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Raja Mantalai wished to marry Lord Shiva at this place. And, this marriage was solemnized in a temple near a pond. So on the name of that pond, this place is called Mantalai, where Man means great and pond talai. . This talai is supposed to act as Havan Kund for performing various marriage ceremonies. This site is considered an ancient one as was evident from large number of pots herds of various types found allround there in the earth. There is another version that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married at Gaurikund. Gaurikund is a sacred perennial spring where Goddess Parvati used to go for bath. The legend of this site evinces that Goddess Parvati after taking bath used to worship Lord Shiva, mediating in a cave which is nearly 2 km from Sudhmahadev on the bank of stream fed by the water of Gaurikind. Devika, a famous and sacred stream of Jammu also originates from Gaurikind. It is believed that the Goddess Parvati herself flows as a stream or river in the serpentine manner and emerges at the shrines of Kameshwar Mahadev Udhampur, Purmandal and Uttar Behani in Jammu.

Sudhmahadev Fair
During the first day of three days of folk fair, the devotees first bathe in the Beenisangam called Budhisudhi rivulet, which gushes out from top of the Dhar Shivgarh and is considered an abode of innumerable saints. Thereafter, the devotees take bath in sin destroying spring (Pap Nashni Bauli) situated just at the entrance of temple, about which it is said that a holy dip in this spring shuns all evils.      (  Buddha Amarnath in Jammu )

During the festival, long queues of pilgrims both men and women are seen at the site of this spring. The folk artists of surrounding villages turn up in large numbers to sing folk lores of areas highlighting various aspects of civilization with special reference to Lord Shiva. The tools of folk media like dance, song, flute, drum etc; are fully exploited with rhythm by small groups to promote cultural heritage of India. The stalls by various developmental agencies and merry go round add attraction to the festival.

The pilgrims after becoming free from baths, go to Lord Shiva's temple raising slogans, singing hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Every pilgrim carries with him offerings like flowers, billpatri, dhoop, cash etc and a small pot of water to mount on Shivlingum. Several people perform yagna and distribute puddings sweets and other eatables to the poor.

Mal Mass in Martand Teerath

Adhika Masa(Mal Mass)
Significance of Mal Mass in (Martand Teerath) Mattan Anantnag Kashmir

 Astronomy
When the sun does not at all transit into any rashi but simply keeps moving within a rashi in a lunar month (i.e. before a new moon), then that lunar month will be named as adhik or "extra The Hindu calendar is a lunar calendar and is based on the cycles of the Moon.The lunar calendar adds one extra month every third year. This extra month is known by various names: Adhik Maas, Mal Maas, Purushottam Maas. This is the thirteenth month of the lunar calendar.

Just as there is the lunar year with the extra month (Adhik Maas), so is there a lunar year with a diminished or reduced month, with only eleven months in the year.     ( Swami Jeewan Sahib )

The lunar year comprising of eleven months only is very rare indeed. It occurs once in 140 years or once in 190 years. But the extra month or Adhik Maas comes every third year. Adhik Maas adopts the name of the month that follows adhik Maas.

Whenever Sankranti does not fall within one month then Adhik Maas occurs. When there are two Sankrantis within one month then it becomes the lunar year with one reduced month (11 months in the year).

Vasishtha Siddhanta mentions that Adhik Maas or the extra lunar month occurs after every 32 months, 16 days and 8 Ghadis (a Ghadi is a period of 24 minutes and 60 Ghadis equal 24 hours).

It is a fact that the solar year is made up of 365 days and about 06 minutes and the lunar year is made up of 354 days. Thus both the solar and the lunar years have gaps of 11 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes and 12 seconds. As this gap increases each year, it approximates in three years to one month. (  Janam Dhin, Birthday  )

[ The moon takes about 27.3 days to make one complete orbit around the earth. The earth orbits around the sun once every 365.2422 days (= earth's orbital speed of 29.79 km per second). The earth and the moon in 27.3 days have moved as a system about 1/12 of the ways around the sun. This means that from one full moon to the next full moon, the moon must travel 2.2 extra days before it appears full. This is due to the curve of the earth's orbit around the sun. The moon is still making one complete orbit (circle) in 27.3 days. But to line up with the earth and sun to become a full moon again it takes 29.531 days. 29.531 day Lunar months = 354.372 days per lunar year. Thus we arrive at a difference of 10.87 days a year between a lunar year and a solar year of 365.2422 days per year.]

 Religious significance of Adhik Maas (Mal Mass)in  Martand Teerath Anantnag Kashmir
There is a beautiful story related to Sun (God) in Martand (Mattan) Anantnag  Kashmir. Aditi was much perturbed about the future of her sons. She performed great penance for twelve years in order to please Vishnu.  Sage Kashyapa became worried about her health so he advised Aditi to leave that austere penance.  He told her "Toyah Marate Mandam" (You have killed the egg i.e. ova.Aditi got a still egg which was of gold. She then prayed to Brahma. Brahma Ji finally advised Aditi to throw the egg into the Satisar and gained prosperity because a very pious and sacred shrine in the three worlds will become known at that place by the name of "MARTAND" (Mritand) i.e. one begotten from the still egg.  Twelve sons (twelve months) were given twelve different names and places to preside over.

A way out was made near Baramula for the water of Satisar to flow out. On one side of de-watered Satisar was found the still golden egg which had been thrown there. Lord Vishnu struck this egg with his chakra into two parts and great light came out of it which pervaded all round. Thus it was prayed as Sun God Martanda.  From the two parts of the broken still egg sprang out two sacred springs; Vimla and Kamla; from the chakra flows the Chaka stream which destroys great sins and satisfies the dead by a pious dip in it and offerings of sacrifice. Vimal Kund, the stainless and pure gives salavation to the dead; and Kamal Kund gives solace to the living; water in the Vimal Kund bear Vishnu and Shiva and that of the Kamal Kund bear Brahma and Mahesh.

Adhik Maas (Mal Maas) is capable of washing away all the sins of people. During this month Shraadh, fasting etc are undertaken and garments etc. are distributed to poor people. One more beautiful story relates to how, in ancient times, through the observance of Mal Maas Vrat, king Nahush was released from all bondage.

Devi Bhagavat says that charitable and meritorious acts, shraadh and fastings etc. carried out during this Mal Maas (Adhik Maas), inevitably produce results. Just as atomic sized contents within a seed produce a giant and long living big tree, so in the same manner even a little charitable act done during Mal Maas (Adhik Maas) produces big results.       (     Ramkund in Poonch   )

Martand Prohit Sabha had worked a lot in the past twenty one years,and build new temple and Dharmshala''s and are offering rooms at a very less price to the Shardalu''s who come to visit Martand Shrine.

From pawan pandita kashmiri guruji

9811735947

Holy Shrine of Buddha Amarnath in Poonch

Buddha Amarnath is an ancient and unique Shiva Temple having a white naturally formed Shiv Lingam of “Chakmak”. It is located in an area known as Rajpura Mandi. Two kms from Mandi village and 25 kms in the north east of Poonch Town it is situated in between the main belt of Pir Panchal range of mountains.

This sacred place is very picturesque; it is situated on the confluence of two gushing streams namely Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. The stream which flows near it is the Loran stream but it is believed by the locals that Ravan's grandfather Pulasta Rishi performed his tapasya here and thus is known as Pulasta stream.
This place is surrounded by snow bound lofty peaks, thick belt of fur forests (in the Eastern side), lush green pastures and crystal clear streams. The climate of this attractive and charming spot is very pleasant and cool.

The original temple has been constructed out with one big stone. There are four doors in the temple on the northern, southern, eastern and western sides which indicates that the doors of this shrine are open for all the four classes. In Buddha Amarnath temple Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a "Chakmak" white rock i.e. naturally formed Shiv Lingam, unlike other Shiva temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a lingam. A number of ancient idols collected from near by villages have also been installed in the premises of the Temple. There were four holy springs near the temple in the past. At present the water of three springs has been diverted to fourth one which is on the southern side of the temple. The water of these springs is considered holy from religious point of view. The pilgrims first take bath in this spring and then enter in the temple for prayers. ( Haramukh Harmukat Ganga )

The legends of this temple are closely associated with lord Shiva and goddess parvati. According to one legend, rishi Pulatsya (Ravana's grandfather) had a darshan of lord Shiva at the place where the Buddha Amarnath shrine is located. Another legend is that lord Shiva, accompanied by Parvati, on one of his trips to Amarnath from kailash, had made a brief halt at this place. It is also believed that this shrine is older than that of Amarnath ji of Kashmir and the pilgrimage to Amarnath cave in Kashmir remains incomplete without a visit to this shrine.

On Shrawan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) people visit this shrine in a large number and every year a ten day yatra is organised which concludes on the occasion of the shrawan Purnima. This year the ten day Yatra is commencing from July 25, various pilgrims from all over India are expected to come on this day and the inauguration is on July 26, there after the Yatra will start from July 27 from Ved Mandir Ambphalla and it will culminate on Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 5.  ( Ramkund temple in Poonch )

This shrine is 25 kms from the Poonch town. Buses, tempo, Cars, Jeeps carrying pilgrims ply on the road regularly. From Jammu it is approx. 250 kms away and regular bus services are available for Poonch district. One can also hire private vehicle for this trip very easily.

It is believed that Lord Shiva grants wishes to everyone who makes a pilgrimage to Buddha Amarnath. It is such a place one must visit to take blessings of lord Shiva and also to enjoy the picturesque place and get relax amid the beauty of the nature.

Mata Kheer Bhawani Ragnya in Tullmulla Kashmir

The temple of Kheer Bhawani is situated in the village Maheshaspora, Tullmulla, which is 25 Km north of Srinagar city in Ganderbal district. This temple is highly revered by the Kashmiri Pandit community of the State .The temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi. An annual festival is held here on the Jesht Astami (May-June) when Hindus visit the temple in large numbers to offer prayer to seek the blessing of the deity. Devotees also throng on every Shulka Paksh Ashtami round the year and perform hawan to please the mother Goddess. The historic temple of Kheer Bhawani was built by the then the Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Pratap Singh. Later it was renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1912.

The temple complex is surrounded by streams and Chinar trees in the complex. The temple proper has a hexagonal spring where in idol of Goddess Ragnya is decorated and housed in a small marble-pillared temple canopy. The main spring of goddess Kheer Bhawanijee is an irregular heptagonal shape with apex called pad or feet to the east and the opposite side called shirr or head. The water of the spring changes its colour from time to time. According to a local legend, Lord Ravana of Great Indian epic, the Ramayana worshipped mother Ragnya, who showered her blessings on his kingdom. The Goddess thus resided in Lanka, the capital of the Lord Ravana. Later due to Ravana’s misdeeds, the Goddess cursed him and ordered Lord Hanuman to take her to Satisar (Kashmir) a place cut off from the world by snow-clad mountains.  (Shrine of Mata Ragnya at Lokitpur )

It is being said that Lord Hanuman obeyed and carried the Godess on her shoulders and enterd this great valley and on Goddesses direction selected this place and Goddess entered into this spring which becomes the abode of Godess Ragnya\Sharika. The temple is fondly called Kheer Bhawani because of the countless devotees who over the centuries offered milk, sugar, rice pudding or Kheer to the scared spring. This is an incarnation of Goddess Durga Mata the local name of the Goddess is Ragnya or Raginia.

The small temple made of white marble-pillared canopy is located in the middle of a natural spring or Kund, the walls of which are hexagonal in shape. A tiny footbridge over the spring leads to the temple. There are many clear water streams around the temple and many Chinar trees in and around complex provide shade to the devotees.

The atmosphere at the Kheer Bhawani temple gets spiritually surcharged during mela. Every body remains busy in either taking bath or preparing to do puja in the temple etc. The hexagonal temple kund or tank remains full of coloured flowers. So much so, a thick layer of petals keep floating on the water of the sacred tank. The temple pujaries or temple priests are busy in attending their clients to fulfill the obligations to complete the ritual with full devotion and attention.  ( Chandi Mata or Machail Wali Mata )

The devotees make offerings of flowers, lamps and of course kheer (traditional condensed milk) and pray for the well being of their family. Round the year thousands of devotees offer kheer at the feet of the goddess- it is believed that if your future holds something ominous, the goddess, knowing that would immediately turn the white kheer black making you careful and aware of your impending doom.

Before goint for prayers, devotees take a dip in the holy waters of a nearby stream. This creates a sort of spiritual aura around them.The large numbers of Kashmiri Pandit families stay for a day or two and get busy in preparation of food by spreading the bed spreads on the floor under the huge Chinar trees. Without fear and awe in the temple, every body in the family do his or her share of work.   ( Mata Bhuvaneshwari )

Keeping in view the huge inflow of Yatris, some residential quarters were constructed in the vicinity to accommodate them, particularly during inclement weather.To serve the devotees, some voluntary organisations arrange langers for yatris. Even army and paramilitary forces come forward to serve food and prasad. This mela usually lasts for three days. After which devotees rush to their homes-blessed and blissed. The mela provides an apportunity to local businessmen to do some business. They sell milk, flowers and earthen lamps to the pilgrims.

Led Zeppelin first choice was Kashmir Song

Kashmir is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin Physical graffiti from their sixth album, released in 1975. It was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (with contributions from John Bonham) for three years, with texts dating back to 1973.  ( Changpas the nomadic pastoralists of ladakh )

Kashmir is considered one of zeppelins led most successful songs, each of the four members of the group agreed that it is so far one of their best musical achievements. John Paul Jones suggested that it contains all the elements that composed the sound of Led Zeppelin. The plant said that the song was one of my ways [conducted] favorite zeppelin because it has all the latent energy and power which was not heavy metal. It was something else. It was the pride of Led Zeppelin. During a television interview in January 2008, he also called Kashmir as its first choice of all the songs of Led Zeppelin perform it, comment Im most proud of that. Page said he thought the song was one of the best compositions of tapes.

The song focuses on a riff of guitar chord progression signature, which was first introduced on bands working from home-studio pages. It was initially an agreement, an extension of a guitar-cycle that Page had worked on for years. It was the same cycle that produced the dark side of the mountains, the summer white and non-distributed way, swan-song. Because the player down, and keyboard John Paul Jones had been late for the recording sessions, the time spent working at riff with drummer John Bonham. Both demoed the latest in 1973. The plant was later added the middle section and the beginning of 1974 Jones added all the pieces of rope. ( Sanskrit core of all languages )

The guitar was played in an alternative guitar: the strings are made to open or Dsus4 DADGAD. Bonhams drums courtesy of the device that phasing effect of an early dusk phaser supplied by engineer Ron NEVISON. The plant said that the setting drum Bonhams is the key to the song: Was it what he has not made it work.

The song also includes many distinctive musical patterns of Moroccan music, Indian and Middle Eastern classic. Page explained that I had a sitar for some time and I was interested in modal tunings and substance Arabic. It began with a riff and then used the Eastern lines below.

Brass and orchestral strings with strings of electric guitar and mellotron are also used in the song. This is one of the few Led Zeppelin songs to use outside musicians. Session players were brought in for string sections and horn. According to Jones, the secret of successful pieces of rope keyboard is to play only the roles that a real string section would play. Ie, a line for the first violins, a line for the second violins, one for Violas, one for cello, one for bass. Some divided parts [two or more notes in a line] are allowed, but keep to a minimum. Think melodiously.        ( Land of Lamas )

It was originally called the drive in Kashmir, the texts of the song were written by Plant in 1973 just after the tour of the USA led zeppelins 1973, in an area he called the lands of southern Morocco, while driving by in Tantan Goulimine in the Sahara desert. This was despite the fact that the song is named for Kashmir, a region located in the north of the Indian subcontinent. As explained in factory journalist Cameron Crowe rock:

The whole inspiration came from the fact that the road continued indefinitely. It was a single track road which an orderly shut down across the desert. Two miles to the east and west edges were Sandrock. He basically looked like you were leading to a reduction in a channel, this dilapidated road, and there was apparently no end to it. Ah, let the sun beat down on my face, stars to fill my dreams Its my favorite of this, all my love and light and two or three were really the most enjoyable. But Kashmir in particular. He was so positive, lyrically.

In an interview he gave to William S. Burroughs in 1975, the page said that when the song was composed, no member of the group had been in Kashmir.

The song runs for 8:28, a length that the radio stations usually considered too long to play. However, its release to radio stations have had no problem playing against Kashmir, especially after seeing the staircase to heaven, which was nearly as long, are so good. (The original LP decommitments graffiti physical incorrectly lists the length of songs like 9:41.)      ( Leh Ladakh )

Kashmir phase was played almost every Led Zeppelin concert from its beginning in 1975. When they performed the song, Robert Plant will switch to the last second with around after singing the first verse normally. The third would be to also normally sung in its original spot. When Led Zeppelin came together for the anniversary of Discs fortieth Atlantic in 1988, Robert accidentally sang to the second twice. He admitted to doing this oh by the father of the singer requisite four winds my sails (even) through the sea of years during the fourth verse. He never ended up singing the third verse (oh the pilot of the storm) before the error. However, he sang with the maintenance and the song of tongue during the third to while trying to fix it by singing me back again halfway through. Also the plant, known for his improvisation, while running at much discretion over Kashmir. It would add to the sweet mom slowly Dyin now just a minute, sweet darlin and stutter the words baby and mother. It would also take this section with theres no denyin while im talkin to ya. A phase of execution carried out in zeppelins at Knebworth in 1979, is described on the 2 disc Led Zeppelin DVD. This performance came from the bands first show at the venue, August 4 The surviving members of Led Zeppelin have performed together in Kashmir Atlantic discs fortieth anniversary in 1988. It was again run in the exhibition conducted meeting of the zeppelins to O2, London on 10 December 2007.

Led Zeppelin expert Dave Lewis described Kashmir as:

Undoubtedly the way the most frightening and impressive graffiti on the physical, and arguably the most progressive and most original Led Zeppelin ever recorded. Kashmir has gone a long way to establish credibility with the critics otherwise skeptical of rock. Many consider this path as the finest example of the majesty of fine chemicals of special zeppelins.

The song was ranked 140th in the list of Rolling Stones 500 greatest songs of all time in 2004.In 2009 when it was known as the 21st greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1.

Historical Temples of kashmir

Kashmir has a variety of tourist attractions; its geography and topography, its birds and animals, its lakes and woods, flora and fauna its gushing springs and orchards.But the most important attractions, according to Jonaraja and Mirza Haidar Dughlat, the two well-known historians of Kashmir are its temples.

Although many temples have been destroyed by the ravages of times, the few which still remain are things of beauty and joy for ever, they are at Pandretan, Avantipur and Martand, all of them belong to pre-sultanate period.According to Devbala Mitra, the former DG of ASI: ‘‘These temples imbibe in them all the peculiarities of the typical architecture of the valley.

The great temples of Martand and Avantipur are inspiring and instructive examples of the 8th and the 9th centuries AD.The temple of Pandrethan, though of a modest scale is interesting on account of the presence of the roof, a rare survival in Kashmir temples. While Pandrethan and Avantipur are close to the river Jhelum, Martand was built upon a hill where there is a pool at the summit. The pool is always full of fresh fish.

By the side of it is a cave the depth of which has not yet been measured. Some historians call it well of Babylon but today it is an isolated but beautiful ruin. Rajtirangani of Kalhan (1148) gives detailed account of these beautiful temples. ( Ragnya Bagwati in Kashmir )

The oldest temple is at Pandrethan built by Emperor Ashoka. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese pilgrim who came to Kashmir in 631 AD stayed in the temple for a few nights. When the king Jaynendra of Karkota dynasty learnt about it he invited him to stay longer and placed 20 copywriters to copy the Budhist text the pilgrim wanted. Five monks waited upon him day and night. The pilgrim spent two years there, it is obvious that Kashmir at that time was a great centre of Budhist learning.

In the 12th century king Pravara Sena of Lohara dynasty built a Shiva temple there which now stands in the midst of a tank-like depression which is fed by natural springs. It is still a ‘tiratha’ for a the pilgrims. When I visited the site before the partition I saw even non-believers.

They said they were there for the sake of the beauty of the temple. Pandrethan is situated only 5 km southeast of Srinagar within its municipal limits. Once you are in Srinagar you can seen this beauty whenever you feel like.Avantipur Temples : It is located in district Anantnag on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, only 28 km from Srinagar on the mountain Wasterman over looking the river Jhelum.

Avantipur was founded by Avantivaram, the first king of the Utppala dynasty. There are two temples at Avantipuram, one of Shiva and the other of Vishnu. There were so many other temples but today only two exist blessed by the river Vitasta (Jhelum).Jonaraja, a contemporary of the most secular king of Kashmir named Zain-ul-Abdin who abolished ‘Jazia’ (1472-84) says ‘Avantipur’s was a paradise on earth. Later visitors like Moorcraft, Cunningham, Vigne all testify that it was the most beautiful spot in the valley. The work of Sir John Marshal and Dayaram Sahni on this site is commendable. ( Mata Bhuvaneshwari Harwan )

Martand Temple of the Sun : Also known as ‘Matan’, Martand is located in district Anantnag, also known as ‘Bavan’. The name of the village is derived from the name of the presiding deity ‘Martanda’. The site selected for the sun temple is a place of beauty.

A more nobler site could have been hardly imagined. Hidden by the tall trees the temple shines in sunshine like a red ball of Sun devata.Although there is a controversy but the general belief is that it was constructed by the liberal king Lalitaditya who had dreamed of annexing China in the Kashmir valley. According to ‘Ain-e-Abari’, ‘Matan stands upon a hill and once had a large temple.There is a small pool on the summit, the water of which never decreases’. It is, therefore obvious that the during the region of Akbar Martand was in ruins.

The imposing temple, even now, overwhelms the tourist and the pilgrim with its massive dignity and Kashmir-like simplicity. It is landmark in the history of temple architecture not only in Kashmir out in the whole of India of which Kashmir is a integral part and Jammu its heart. About the temples of Jammu it requires a sroarate article because Jammu is known as a city of temple with more than 300 temples in it with Raghunath Mandir as its apex-temple.Jammu and Kashmir is the nerve-Centre of our secularism with Kashmir its heart-centre and Jammu its heart beat. It is the duty of every Indian to keep both the heart-centre and the heart-beat alive.

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Broadly speaking, Jammu and Kashmir can be divided into three distinct regions of the foothill plains of Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Mountainous Ladakh। All these three regions of Jammu and Kashmir are entirely different from each other in terms of geography, culture, religion and climate.

Tourist attractions in kashmir are anantnag, pahalgam, kokernag, achabal, verinag, gulmarg, dal lake, shalimar garden, nishat garden।

How to get there:

By Air Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).

By Rail Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.

By Road National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class buses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir.