Verinag Spring:- A Gem in the heart of Kashmir
The spring of Verinag is the reputed source of the River Vitasta. In Hindu times it was known as Nila Naga and was sacred to the snake deity of that name. Nilmata Purana tells us when Parvati had obtained the consent of consort Siva to incarnate in Kashmir as the River Vitasta in order to purify the country which had been defiled by the touch of Pisachas who appeared to have been some outlandish barbarians, he struck the earth at the site of the spring with his trident and thus cleared the way for the issue of waters of the Parvati-Vitasta from the nether world. Hence, the Tirtha also bore the alternate name of Sulaghata, “Trident Stroke”. It seems to have retained considerable importance among Hindu places of pilgrimage even as late as Akbar’s time of Abul Fazal who mentions the existence of a number of stone temples in the east. At this time it had already taken its present name of Verinag borrowing it probably from the district ‘Ver’, the name at that time of Shahabad Pargana. Abul Fazal adds that it is a pool measuring a jarib which tosses in foam with an astonishing roar, and its depth is unfathomable and is surrounded by a stone embankment. It is well-known that Kashmir is adorned by beauty and nature, and is blessed with innumerable springs. However, the Verinag spring in South Kashmir's Anantnag district is unique and holds great importance for being one of the water resources in the valley and beyond. According to historians, the name Verinag originates from two words - 'Veri' which was the old name of the area and 'Nag' which is a natural spring in Kashmiri language. And due to the presence of the historical spring, the whole area has been known as Verinag for centuries. The spring is located at a distance of about 32 km from Anantnag main town.
Verinag is a small town located in Tehsil Sahabad Bala of Anantnag District. Nestled in the heart of Kashmir’s pristine valleys, Verinag Kashmir is a mesmerising destination that captivates visitors with its natural splendour. This ancient spring, revered as the source of the sacred Jhelum River, has been a place of pilgrimage and awe for centuries. The crystal-clear waters emerge from the earth, forming a serene pool surrounded by a verdant environment and majestic mountains. Verinag offers a tranquil escape from the bustling world, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. Whether you seek spiritual rejuvenation or a chance to reconnect with nature, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable journey through Kashmir’s timeless beauty. What I personally believe and feel is that the visitors and tourists to Kashmir fall into two categories - those who like Gulmarg and those who prefer Pahalgam. Both of them now have excellent golf courses and so it is entirely a matter of personal preference as to which one of them to visit. But my personal preference and liking is to visit Verinag Spring. It is one of the most beautiful place in South Kashmir's Anantnag District. Verinag Spring is the massive pond from where the great Jhelum river begins its long journey through the Valley, Pakistan and finally into the Arabian sea. I visited this beautiful place with my family in the month of June this year and I really enjoyed the whole journey and the time that I spent with my family members in Verinag. Its location, with the backdrop of thickly wooded mountains, its absolutely calm, light green appearance and depth make it unique. Some of the glimpses which I took are shown below:-
Historians say that water was used to flow with full force from this spring and one day when Mughal King Jahangir saw it, he ordered his artisans to build a special and unique spring around it.The spring also holds importance as an agreement was reached between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, under the Indus Water Treaty. Under the treaty, Pakistan got the right over three rivers - Jhelum, Sindh and Chenab while India got rights over Sutlej, Beas and Ravi. It is not only important for the locals but also for the India-Pakistan relations as the spring is considered to be an important part of Jhelum that flows down to Pakistan.The water from Verinag spring not only irrigates hundreds of kanals of land in different parts of the district but also supplies clean drinking water to thousands of households. Its water is also believed to be quite useful for digestion.
Jhelum flows through the valley and millions of people live on its banks across Kashmir who get their livelihood from this river, especially fishermen and sand miners.However, due to climate change, most of the natural springs in the valley have either run low or shrunk in size. But the special thing about the Verinag spring is that even after hundreds of years, its flow remains the same to this day.The spring water gathers in a pond nearby and flows out in the form of a canal. At the confluence, the water from Verinag is joined by tributaries like Lidder near village Mirgund at Khanabal, Rambi Aara in Shopian which together forms the river Jhelum.The spring attracts not only locals but also tourists from outside Jammu and Kashmir and foreigners who come in large numbers every year to enjoy the beauty of this historic spring.
(Vivek Koul)
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