International Journal of History

The earliest references to the belief system of the Kashmiri people in nature come from Kalhana’s Rajatarangini and Nilamata Purana written by an anonymous author. Both argued that Kashmir was a large lake (Satisar) before it drained out from Baramulla gorge. The people were deeply attached to nature and had strong belief in the worship of Nagas (gods of water spring). They believed that the water springs were actually the abode of Nag Dev (serpent deities) and help devotees to purify their souls. Fishing from such springs was considered a sin. Even in modern times, Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims alike consider eating fish from water springs as Haram (forbidden). The faith of the ancient people of Kashmir was so strong that they built temples and buildings on these springs. Their belief in nature inspired them to conserve natural resources and sustain the environment. Mughal Emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586. He was very impressed by the natural beauty of Kashmir. He continued the old traditions of Kashmir and allowed people to build temples on these springs and also repaired old ones. His successor Jahangir went a step further to build pools and massive walls around these springs. These springs are main source of drinking water and river Jhelum. We do not know exactly what made people believe in Nag (water spring) worship, but faith and beliefs in nature certainly motivated mankind to maintain the sustainability of the environment.