Indraaz Nag, village Inder, Pulwama

Inder is a village situated in Kakapora Block within Pulwama District, proximately 5 km north of the district headquarters. Nearby villages include Gudoora (2 km), Karimabad (3 km), Parigam (5 km), Urichersoo (1 km), Pahoo (5 km), and Pinglana (2 km). As of January 1, 1990, there were 21 Kashmiri Pandit families residing in Inder. Following the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley that year, 20 families relocated to the plains, while one family chose to remain in the village, where they continue to reside to this day.

Inderal Nag, dedicated to Lord Inder, is the holy spring of Village Inder, aft er which the village derives its name. Situated at Broonth Kah, approximately 200 yards from the mohalla where Kashmiri Pandits reside, this spring holds signifi cant cultural and religious importance. Previously, there was a smaller spring located about 10 meters away from Indraaz Nag, but it no longer exists today. Indraaz Nag, the holy spring of Village Inder, measures 5 meters in length, 4 meters in breadth, and has a depth of about 4 feet. It is known for its abundant fi shy population, with local lore recounting sightings of a golden-colored fi sh emerging from the spring once a month, witnessed by many Kashmiri Pandits

from the village. Th e spring was enclosed with concrete in 1990. Not only does it provide a serene flow of water suitable for running a water mill, but its gentle stream eventually merges with Zabi Kol (Zabi stream) approximately 500 yards downstream. From there, its waters continue on to join the Roomesh, contributing to the local waterways of the region. Indraaz Nag, the holy spring in village Inder, originally spanned an area of 15 Kanal (approximately 1.875 acres) but has since dwindled to just about a Kanal (around 0.125 acres) due to encroachments surrounding it. Formerly part of a marshy area known as Zabi Demb, the spring was situated in the middle of this terrain. After 1990, the marshy land, which was approximately 100 meters wide and 200 meters long, was filled with earth and converted into paddy fields by encroachers. Th is transformation drastically altered the landscape around the spring, impacting its size and surroundings signifi cantly. Th e water from Indraaz Nag, known for its purity, was traditionally used by the Pandit community in Village Inder for both worship and drinking purposes. However, this practice ceased aft er the mass migration of the Pandit community from the village in 1990, who were the primary caretakers of the spring. Additionally, over time, the spring became contaminated with fi lth, further contributing to the discontinuation of its use. As a result, despite its historical signifi cance and once pristine condition, the spring’s role in daily life and religious rituals diminished signifi cantly. Th e signifi cance of Indraaz Nag diminished over time due togrowing indiff erence towards its maintenance. However, in the early 1980s, recognizing its cultural importance, a committee was established among the Kashmiri Pandits of Village Inder to oversee and preserve the spring. Committee members actively engaged in exploring and reclaiming “ahl-e- hunuud” lands (lands belonging to Hindus) within the village boundaries. As part of their eff orts, they also conducted marking (Nishan Dehi), a ritual marking the boundaries and sanctity of Indraaz Nag, reinforcing its sacred status among the community. Th is initiative underscored their commitment to safeguarding the spring and its associated cultural heritage during a period of cultural and social change. On Shravan Shakula Patch Baah, also known as Inder Bah, the banks of the Holy Spring in Village Inder were bustling with activity. This auspicious day drew hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits from across Kashmir Valley to this sacred site. Aft er taking a purifying dip in the spring, they performed puja dedicated to Lord Inder. Following the rituals, they traditionally prepared their meals on a nearby mound (known as Teng in Kashmiri), using traditional mud stoves called Tchul in Kashmiri . In preparation for Inder Baah, it was customary among the Kashmiri Pandits of Village Inder to meticulously clean the mound, clearing it of wild shrubs in the week leading up to the celebration. This mound was notable for its abundant apricot trees, adding to the natural beauty and signify cance of the site during this revered festival. In the late sixties, during eff orts to flatten a mound in Village Inder, excavations unexpectedly unearthed earthen pots buried beneath the earth’s surface. Th ese pots contained sea shells known as “harie” in Kashmiri, which children traditionally played with during Maha Shivratri. Th e discovery astonished the village residents, suggesting the area held signify cant historical  importance in the past. However, the finding was met with casualindiff erence by the villagers at that time, and no further excavations were pursued. Th e presence of these artifacts strongly indicates that the site held profound cultural or religious significance during its earlier periods, hinting at a rich history that remains partially uncovered. During the winter months, Pandit Omkar Nath Bhat, the son of Pandit Tika Lal Bhat (adopted by his celibate uncle Pandit Kanth Bhat), who served as a physical education teacher at Mehjoor Memorial School in Pulwama, and Shri Shuban Ji Bhat, son of Pandit Shyam Lal Bhat, both residents of Village Inder, had a routine of visiting the holy spring in the early morning hours for bathing. Th ey were drawn to the spring especially during winter when its waters were naturally warm. Th is practice highlighted their deep connection to the spring’s natural warmth, off erring them a serene and rejuvenating experience amidst the cold  season. Out of 70 springs in the village around 40 springs have become extinct by way of encroachments. Among various springs that have become extinct include Bulbul Nag, Nangaar Mohalla Nag and Ganie Mohalla Nag. The others are shrinking due to encroachments including Dhobi Nag, Mir Nag, Mokolun Nag, Mandar Nag, Indraaz Nag, Daanger Nag, Goorwan Nag and Wani Nag. Th is holy spring, once the pride of village Inder, now stands neglected and forlorn, a poignant symbol of lost care and reverence. Its once glistening waters, cherished by the Kashmiri Pandits, now languish without proper upkeep, abandoned by those who safeguarded its sanctity with love and respect. The maintainers, driven away to safeguard their honor and dignity, have left this sacred gift from God vulnerable to encroachment and disregard. Once a beacon of purity and serenity, today it remains unseen and uncared for, a silent testament to the passage of time and the ebb of human presence. In its quiet solitude, the spring echoes with memories of devotion and community, yearning for the return of loving hands and devoted hearts to restore its lost glory. Whenever I travel through Pulwama or Shopian (via Srinagar Newa road), I make it a point to visit this Holy Spring in Village Inder. My latest visit was on June 8th, 2024, as I journeyed towards my ancestral village, Murran. Sitting on the tranquil banks of the spring, memories flood my mind, reminiscing about its days of full glory. I recall how this spring once thrived with life and community, a place where families gathered, rituals were performed, and moments of peace were cherished. Now, amidst  The stillness, I ponder over its neglected state, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia and sadness. Th e spring, once vibrant and revered, now seems too long for the warmth of human presence, yearning for someone to revive its spirit and restore its dignity. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to its past, hoping that one day, this sacred place will regain its lost allure and once again become a beacon of hope and reverence for all who visit.

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Courtesy: CHANDER M BHAT  and  Spade A Spade-FEBRUARUY 2025