Roots and Reflections - Exploring Ideas, Experiences and Wisdom

A 20th century Sufi known as Sheikh Muhammad Sultan used to live in a small village in Anantnag, the Kashmir valley called Hakura Badasgam. He has achieved miraculous status throughout the Kashmir area as well as outside of it as one of its prophets. Baba Sultan is classified as a Qalandar (one of 4 categories of Sufis). The Qalandars lived their lives wholly devoted to God by following Him alone and not following social customs (that is, the accepted rules of society) as a matter of course, except where doing so might violate the Shari'ah (that is, the universal law of God). (The differences in behaviour, dress, and objects carried by Qalandars has been used as an excuse to consider Qalandars to be separate from others.) There exists a considerable amount of literature concerning Qalandars in languages other than English such as Urdu (the principal native language of Pakistan), Persian (the principal native language of Iran), and Arabic (the principal native language of Saudi Arab...

Scholars from all parts of the world have taken note, while myriad individuals have also become admirers of Lalleshuri (Lal Ded) of Kashmir for her poetic works referred to as Vaakhs. These works are spontaneity expressed by an awakened Yogi, who produced exceptional works of poetry with a considerable philosophical depth, while at the same time sharing her insights into her own spiritual path with the reader. Many of her poems express her direct spiritual experiences through simple and easy-to-understand formats, as well as giving concise examples of Yoga principles that can be related to in day-to-day life. Lalleshuri provided access to her timeless spiritual wisdom in the language of everyday people through oral speaking; the impact of her oral expression carried on through the ages and was transmitted orally to future generations with virtually no change in the language or meaning of her works. Lalleshuri's Vaakhs are a comprehensive representation of the literary talent of a h...

A Sacred Dogra Heritage Shrine: The shrine of Baba Bhed Devta is a hidden gem and a significant aspect of the cultural traditions of the Dogra people who inhabit the Shivalik Hills and nearby area. Located in the southern part of the Shivalik Hills, the shrine can be found where the holy River Suryaputri (the modern stream Tawi) meets the hill. Baba Bhed Devta or "Baba Bhed Nag" is a Dogra style shrine with many stories and unverified accounts written by people who visit it. The incredible natural setting of the shrine, in addition to its distance from larger towns, gives the shrine a sense of holiness. Baba Bhed Nag became the king of the Jammu dynasty because Vasuki Nag (King of the Serpents), his father, provided him with control of the Jammu kingdom after he was able to redirect the waters of the Tawi River from the Kali Kundi Glacier located in the Kaplash Mountains in Bhaderwah, and it resulted in the many Rajput families with small kingdoms in the Jammu region viewing ...

Background of Bhal Padri: The town of Bhal Padri or as commonly known "Mini Kashmir" has opened its doors to tourists. This beautiful location is an awe-inspiring place to be in the midst of the magnificent scenery of the beautiful Gandoh region within Doda of Jammu and Kashmir. The breathtaking scenery offers visitors many opportunities to experience the spectacular beauty of nature with its many alpine mountains and landscape, scenic hiking trails, postcard views, etc. J&K offers its visitors magnificent scenery consisting of snow-covered mountains, peaceful valleys, and beautiful meadows teeming with Flora and Fauna. Bhal Padri adds an additional added beauty to this wonderful area. Tourists will appreciate the beauty of Bhal Padri and all it has to offer and come away with lifelong memories. The opening of Bhal Padri to tourists has been made possible due to recent developments in road construction, providing better access to visit the "Valley of Flowers". U...

Kimb: A Traditional Citrus Treasure of Jammu Kimb is basically a citrus fruit, it is also a medicinal treasure and an important food. For many generations, Kimb has been integral to the daily lifestyles of many of Jammu's citizens. The wide range of health benefits associated with Kimb, combined with its unique taste and fragrance, give this fruit local and global significance. Citrus medica (citron) is one of the oldest citrus trees that originated in the world; it is known as Kimb in Jammu and is considered to be one of the most ancient and traditional valued oranges in the world. Kimb is known for its distinctive scent, thick rind and different historical medicinal uses. Kimb (Citrus medica) is part of the Rutaceae Family and is considered by many to be one of the root species that gave rise to other modern day varieties of citrus fruit. The tree originally grew naturally at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, where it continues to play an important role in food, cooking, relig...

                       (Photo Source: Internet) Manasbal Lake is a picturesque freshwater body located to North of the beautiful Sind Valley of Kashmir and is surrounded by majestic hills and scenic beauty. It is the deepest of all freshwater lakes located in Safapora village in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. Often referred to as the "Supreme gem of all the lakes of Kashmir", this Lake is an oasis of tranquillity for those who appreciate bird watching and have a great love for nature while visiting Manasbal Lake during the summertime when the lotuses bloom. The best time to visit Manasbal Lake is between May-October because the weather during this period is most favourable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Manasbal Lake can be reached easily by vehicle and is approximately 30 km from Srinagar city. The road leading to Manasbal Lake - the largest freshwater lake in Kashmir - passes directly through Wular Lake...