What Is the Significance of the Annual Gangabal Yatra in J&K's Ganderbal?

Srinagar, Aug 30 (NationPress) The 17th annual Gangbal Yatra officially commenced on Saturday with a ceremonial flag-off at Naranag in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, as reported by officials.

This pilgrimage takes Kashmiri Pandit followers to the sacred Harmukh Gangbal Lake, situated at an impressive altitude of 14,500 feet within the Harmukh mountain range.

Revived in 2009 after a hiatus of over 150 years, the yatra is organized annually by the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust (HGGT).

This year’s journey kicked off with the Charri Pooja at Naranag, attended by dignitaries including Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore, Senior Superintendent of Police Ragav S, and Kangan Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nazir Ahmad, along with senior military and CRPF officials.

During his address, Commissioner Garg highlighted the unwavering support of the local Kashmiri Pandit community in preserving the tradition of this annual pilgrimage.

He also commended the roles played by the district police, the Army, and paramilitary forces in ensuring safe and efficient arrangements.

The organizers, in collaboration with the administration and security services, have established comprehensive provisions for the pilgrims.

These include complimentary langar services at various locations, pony rides, sleeping bags, registration cards, and the presence of priests at the Gangbal Lake to perform rituals.

The trust’s dedicated team, featuring Vinod Pandit, Vinay Kaul, Pradeep Pandita, Vinod Tikoo, and others, expressed their appreciation to the administration, security personnel, and Naranag residents for their cooperation.

This year marks the 17th consecutive occurrence of the yatra since its revival.

Gangabal Lake, located at the foot of the Harmukh mountain peak, holds significant spiritual importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Historically, local Pandits would transport the ashes of their deceased to the Gangabal Lake for purification.

According to folklore, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati resided at the Harmukh Peak, from where they journeyed to the Amarnath cave, where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of eternal life to Mata Parvati.

This secret was overheard by a pair of pigeons in the cave, who, according to lore, became immortal after hearing it.

The 12th-century scholar and historian, Kalhana Pandit, composed the epic 'Rajatarangini' at the Naranag temple, which serves as a 5000-year historical account of Kashmir.

The Naranag temple is now a major attraction for tourists.

It is recognized as one of the crucial archaeological sites in India.

The site features a cluster of temples spaced approximately 200 meters apart.

Historians assert that the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was constructed by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Kayastha Naga Karkota dynasty in the 8th century A.D.

It is believed that King Awantivarman visited and contributed a pedestal for bathing at Bhuteshwar.

The Naranag Temple has a spring located nearby.

This temple is thought to be dedicated to the ancient Naga deities, hence the name 'Naranag'.

It was built by the Naga Karkotas, who are recognized as Hindu Kashmiri Saraswat Brahmins of the Naga sect, known for their reverence for serpents.

These individuals used to reside here and engage in their sadhanas.

According to local tradition, these structures are believed to be constructed by supernatural forces referred to as ('daya') in the local dialect.

Such beliefs continue to be prevalent among the inhabitants.

The government has erected perimeter walls around the temple ruins to prevent encroachment.

Annually, on the eve of the pilgrimage to Gangabal Lake by Kashmiri Pandits, prayers are conducted at the temple complex to initiate the pilgrimage.