DAIY NAG BADGAM

 

Badgam town, located just 13 kilometers from Srinagar, came into existence in 1979, having previously been part of Srinagar district. Historically, Badgam was a part of Baramulla district, and even earlier, Srinagar itself was within the jurisdiction of Anantnag district under the name Tehsil Sri Pratap. The area has also been referred to as Pargana Deesu in historical records. The well-known chronicler Khawaja Azam Demari mentioned Badgam as Deedmarbag in his writings. Badgam is bordered by Baramulla and Srinagar districts to the north, Pulwama to the south, and Poonch to the southwest.

According to local tradition and revenue records, the name signifies a big extensive village and is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Brahatgrama’. B.K.Raina and S.L.Sadhu in their book ‘Place Names of Kashmir’ writes that there used to 1200 households in the village and no other village in Kashmir province was a big. During the famine and the earthquakes that ravaged Kashmir about a hundred years ago Badgam also suffered devastation. The surviving inhabitants of the village got dispersed and only about 200 household were left. The village got split into two: Narchipora (Naraspur), about two kilometers to the east of Badgam on the main road, and Badgam proper. The authors further writes that before 1928 revenue was collected in kind in the village but walnut trees were charged chilki 40 (chikli equal to about 60 paisa) when in fruit. Later, land revenue was leased to one Sardar Rup Singh. The land revenue structure was then overhauled after 1890 as per the labours of Sir Walter Lawrence.

During the Mughal regime Badgam was a part of the Densu paragana (block). According to another tradition the name Badgam is derived from the shrine of Bhida Devi on account of which the village was known as Bhidagam which gradually contracted to the present name. Badgam was the home of 26 Kashmiri Pandit families before the forced exodus in the year 1990. Daiy Nag is a sacred spring of immense significance, revered for its spiritual and natural beauty. The spring itself is approximately 20 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and about 6 feet deep, filled with crystal clear waters that reflect the peaceful surroundings. On the right bank of this Holy Spring stands a majestic Shiva temple, which serves as the focal point of the shrine com plex. The temple houses a striking Shiva Lingam, standing five feet tall and carved from black stone. This ancient Lingam is the symbol of Lord Shiva’s presence, and devotees from far and wide come to offer their prayers here.

 The shrine complex spans an expansive area of about 6 kanals of land, and the entire environment is a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality. Towering trees, including walnut and almond trees, add a sense of abundance and shade to the grounds. An ancient elm tree stands tall as a silent witness to countless prayers, while the grand Chinar tree, with its broad leaves and regal stature, creates a canopy of serenity over the temple grounds. These trees not only provide natural beauty but also represent the deep rooted connection between the divine and nature. In the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere in the shrine complex used to be particularly serene and captivating. Devotees would arrive just before dawn, their footsteps soft as they approach the temple to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. The gentle rustling of leaves in the cool morning breeze adds to the tranquility of the moment.

As the devotees light incense sticks and offer ‘doop’ (sacred smoke), the air becomes fragrant, and the entire space takes on a meditative aura. The sound of conch shells, blown at the start of the morning prayers, reverberates through the shrine complex. This sound, considered auspicious, carries with it a vibration that resonates not only within the temple but throughout the surrounding area. It is said that this sacred sound purifies the air and removes negative energies, creating a divine atmosphere where worshippers feel an intimate connection to the divine. The rhythmic ringing of bells and the chanting of mantras by priests further enhance the spiritual experience, filling the hearts of devotees with devotion and peace. The temple, with its simple architecture and peaceful surroundings, offers a perfect escape from the outside world. Pilgrims often sit by the spring, meditating or simply soaking in the divine energy that seems to flow with the water. The natural beauty combined with the sacred rituals creates a powerful sense of peace and reflection, making Daiy Nag a unique and cherished site for all who visit. Adjacent to the sacred Daiy Nag spring, there is a Dharamshala, which once served as the office of the Tehsil Education Officer.

This building not only fulfilled administrative functions but also stood as a resting place for devotees and pilgrims visiting the holy site. The Dharamshala played a significant role during religious festivals, particularly during the annual Yagna, which was a grand and sacred event. On the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, the entire complex would come alive with vibrant activity. Devotees from nearby villages and distant regions would gather in large numbers to participate in the Yagna, offering prayers, seeking blessings, and celebrating the divine birth of Lord Krishna.

The air would be filled with the sound of devotional chants, conch shells, and the fragrance of offerings, as the entire atmosphere resonated with spirituality and joy. The Dharamshala, bustling with activity, would accommodate many devotees, who would spend the day immersed in devotion and celebration, making the occasion a deeply spiritual and communal experience. The cremation ground, solemn and sacred, spans across a vast area of 10 kanals of land. This expansive space is not only a place of farewell but also one of quiet reflection and reverence, where generations have come to pay their last respects to their loved ones. At the heart of this ground stands an ancient Chinar tree, its presence majestic and deeply symbolic.

The Chinar, with its wide, sheltering branches, has witnessed countless ceremonies over the years, standing as a silent guardian over the souls that have been laid to rest. Its deep roots seem to intertwine with the very history of the land, offering a sense of continuity and timelessness. The shade of the Chinar provides a comforting presence for those who come to the cremation ground, serving as a natural monument to the cycles of life and death. This sacred space, bordered by the serenity of nature and the enduring Chinar, invites reflection on the transient nature of life and the eternal spirit, creating a peaceful environment for families to gather, remember, and honor those who have passed on. n

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Courtesy: CHANDER M. BHAT and  Spade A Spade-June 2025