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Religious fervour marks this river's birthday

People worship river Vitasta, another form of goddess Parvati

VERINAG (J-K): Here is a river, called the Nile of Kashmir, whose birthday is celebrated every year. That's the river Jhelum. Religious fervour and mirth mark the birthday celebrations of Jhelum by Kashmiri pandits. This year the auspicious day falls on September 18. The `veth truvaha' is the birth date of river Vitasta, or Jhelum in Kashmir valley. People worship the river (Vitasta) which holds the place of goddess Parvati in Hindu religion, well known scholar Angishaker said.

However, the exact date and the year of the commencement of the river's birthday celebrations are not known but it seems to have originated before Mahabharata war as the river finds a mention in the epic in which Lord Krishna refers to Vitasta, he said.

There are various names of this river besides its original name Vitasta. Kashmiri pandits call it `Veth.' Persians call it `Behat' and the Greeks know it as `Hydaspes.' Most of people associate the current name with the prosperous town Jhelum situated on the banks of the river in Pakistan. It is believed that due to Muslim influence Jhelum became popular and the older names were thrown to disuse.

Legends galore

Diverse legends are associated with the name and origin of Jhelum in Kashmir valley, Dr Agniskahker said. According to the oldest historic text `Nilamata Purana,' Kashmir State became waterless as a result of the draining of the Satisar by the sage Kashyap to put an end to the Jal Dev (water demon) who was harassing valley dwellers and killing them. So, the need for the water to maintain life was felt.

The `pishaches', orginally inhabitants of Kashmir valley (name emerged from sage Kashyap's name) used to hamper the meditation of Aryans, who approached Kashyap rishi for help. The sage requested Lord Shiva to prevail upon goddess Parvati to manifest herself in the form of river to cleanse them. Lord Shiva obliged and struck the ground near the abode of Neelanaga with his trident.

The opening measured one vitasta, a measure of length equal to 12 angules, hence the name Vitasta. From this hole near the abode of Neelanaga on 13th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada, goddess Parvati gushed forth in the form of a river, goes the legend. This entire episode is known as `vethatruvaha'.

According to another historic text, Rajatarangini, the river Jhelum was daughter of Neela Nag or Neel Kund. This is also mentioned by historian Abdul Fazal's in `Ain-i-Akbari'. ``Neelnag'' is located behind the famous health resort Yousmarg surrounded by the lush green woods.

However, the existing Neel Nag in the district Badgam cannot in any way be the source of this river, if we analyse the route and topography of the place and that of the river's route.

The Jhelum travels a distance of more than 600 miles through Kashmir valley before joining Chenab and further moves through Jang, Uch and Jhelum towns of Pakistan.

The lifeline of valley

The Vitasta is the lifeline of the valley as this river was the only means of transportation and internal trade, connecting the far off areas through boat services. The first phase of Jhelum's journey from Verinag to Anantnag is frothy as it follows a hilly track. During its second phase from Anantnag to Srinagar, it is silent and tranquil through lush green rice fields and the last leg in Baramulla, Kupwara and Sopore areas it is totally calm before it enters Pakistan.

PTI

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Religious fervour marks this river's birthday

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