Anantnag Prabandak Committee (Nagbal/Jammu) is a religious management body that overlooks, upkeeps and protects the Kashmiri Hindu religious shrines in Anantnag town and its surroundings.
The central fulcrum of its working is in Nagbal Shrine of Anantnag. The Nagbal shrine is located in the heart of Anantnag town, and contains in its premises temples, springs, dharmshallas and a school which after mass exhodus of the community in 1989-90 is now defunct. A small temple enveloping a holy spring called Devibal, dedicated to Rajnya Bhagwati, situated close to Nagbal complex, also forms a part of this complex.
The Nagbal shrine is primarily famous for the great spring also called by name of Anantnag. The Anantnag spring is named after Bhagwan Anant, which Hindus believe to be a form of Bhagwan Vishnu. The word Anantnag also finds mention in text-29, chapter-10 of Shrimad Bhagvadgita wherein Bhagwan Krishna says, “Of the celestial Naga snakes, I am Anant”. Anantnag also finds mention in the Hindu Purans as a place where Bhagwan Shiv dropped his numerous serpents (Nags) on his way to Amarnath Cave, which is roughly located at a distance of about 5o Kms from the town. It Is presumed that the town with its existence since more than 5000 years is one of the oldest human habitations in the world.
The word Anantnag is a compound word of two words, one being Sanskrit word ‘Anant‘, meaning infinity or countless and the other a Kashmiri word “Nag” spring or snake. It thus conveys that Anantnag is a place of countless springs – which actually it is. It is commonly believed that the town Anantnag got its name from numerousness of its springs. This view is validated by local historians and Neelmat Purana. Kalhana Pandit, specifically mentions in his Rajtarangini that the town has taken its name from the Spring Anantnag devoted to Bhagwan Anant in Nagbal complex. Aural Stein, the famous researcher and translator of Rajtarangini also corroborates to this thesis and holds that the name of the town Anantnag is derived from the great spring located here in Nagbal complex. Anantnag area also referred to as the Gateway of Kashmir is situated in the south of Kashmir, it is a place of riveting streams, bubbling springs, tree clad mountains, meadows, orchids, brooks and ancient religious, archeological sites and picturesque places.
The ancient Teerthraj at Lokbhawan, Martand Sun Temple at Mattan, famous Amarnath cave containing Ice Lingam near Pahalgam, Vijeshwar temple of Bijbehara and Shiva Bhagwati Shrine at Akingam village are some of the religious destinations falling around the Anantnag town. The famous Martand Sun Temple and the Vijeshawara tirth-both destroyed by the Sikandar Butshikan, are also in the vicinity of the town. Achabal Mughal garden, Nagdandi Vivekananda Kendra, Kokernag spring, famous Bumzoa cave temple and Gautam Nag are in the immediate vicinity of the town.
Anantnag area, also referred to as ”Maraaz” in early times happens to be the birth palce of river Vitasta or Vyeth. Vyeth also called Jehlum arises in Verinag ,which is part of a larger Anantnag area. This important stream, that traverses the entire length of valley from south to north has been a mute spectator and witness to Kashmir’s all historical rises and falls.
It has been a sustainer and creator of our civilization. Kashmiri Hindus venerate and worship Vitasta as a form of Goddess . Till forced exhodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley in 1989-90, a religious fair used to be observed in Nagbal Shrine Complex on Bhadr Shuklapaksh Chaturdashi also called Anant Chaturdashi (usually in the month of September) every year.
While Anantnag Prabandak Committee carries proper mandate of the Kashmiri Hindu community of the place to play its meaningful role in the upkeep of our central shrine Nagbal, it is also our earnest endeavour to take care of all other Hindu shrines, temples, dharamshallas, springs, holy trees, cremation grounds and other landed property and orchards which lay desolate and stand encroached upon after the community’s unfortunate exhodus from Kashmir in 1989-90. In this direction our community at large and Anantnag Prabandak Committee in particular are bound to play a meaningful role.
JAI ANANT BHAGWAN
At Nagbalanantnag Temple, we are dedicated to providing a sacred space where devotees can establish a profound connection with the divine. Our temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India, where traditions and rituals have been passed down through generations. Nestled amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Nagbal/Jammu, Nagbalanantnag Temple offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere that facilitates deep spiritual experiences.
Traditional Worship Services and Rituals
Immersed in the spirit of devotion, our dedicated priests perform daily rituals with utmost reverence and sincerity. At Nagbalanantnag Temple, we offer a range of traditional worship services and rituals to facilitate a deep connection with the divine. Some of the key rituals conducted at our temple include:
- Archana: Through archana, our priests offer prayers and chants on behalf of the devotees, invoking the blessings of the deities. Devotees can participate in this ritual by providing their names and offering floral garlands or prasad.
- Abhishekam: Abhishekam is a sacred ritual of pouring sacred substances, such as milk, honey, and holy water, over the deities while chanting Vedic hymns. This ritual is believed to purify the devotees’ souls and invoke divine blessings.
- Arati: Arati is a ritual of waving lit lamps before the deities accompanied by devotional songs and hymns. This ritual signifies the offering of light and devotion to the divine, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Devotees are warmly welcomed to participate in these rituals and receive the blessings of the deities. By engaging in these ancient practices, devotees can experience a profound connection with the divine and find solace, guidance, and inspiration in their spiritual journey.
The awe-inspiring architecture of Nagbalanantnag Temple reflects the cultural and artistic brilliance of the region. The intricate carvings, vibrant paintings, and ornate sculptures create a visually captivating ambiance that transports visitors to a realm of divine spirituality. Every corner of the temple exudes a sense of sacredness, inviting devotees to immerse themselves in devotion, prayer, and introspection.
Whether you seek solace, spiritual guidance, or simply wish to witness the beauty of Indian temple architecture, Nagbalanantnag Temple offers a sanctuary of peace and serenity. Visit us and experience the divine presence that resonates within the walls of our sacred abode.