Ancient Shivling and other idols of deities were found in Anantnag. The idols were inside a holy waterfall, whose water level was being cleaned after the level of water. These idols are of the 7th-9th century.
According to the locals, the workers found a small compartment structure inside the waterfall when the water level was low due to low rainfall in recent months this year, where the idols were kept and preserved under water.
The workers immediately informed Satru ji, chairman of the Saluya Panchalpora Nagbal Committee, who advised him to protect the idols. One worker said, “We could hide them, but we did not do so. We knew that this is a sacred thing. From that day on that day we are guarding the idols in turn.”
Locally, this place, known as Karkoot Nag, holds special significance for Kashmiri Pandits. Many people connect it to the Karkota (Karkoot) dynasty, which ruled Kashmir during the 7th to 9th century.
According to local details, this waterfall was one of the early places where the ruler of the dynasty prayed and it remained a place of spiritual importance for generations to come.
Sunny Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit of this region, emphasized this relationship. “This is not just a waterfall, it is part of our vibrant history. It is believed that the Karkota kings performed their first rituals here. This discovery confirms that relationship. Jammu and Kashmir Archives, Archeology and Museum Department officials have visited the site.
An official said that the idols will be sent to Srinagar for material and carbon dating testing to find out their age and origin.
Communal harmony displayed by the local Muslim community, which not only protected the idols, but also respected them. It gives a peace, but powerful reminiscent of the coordinating past of Kashmir.
Published at: 04 Aug 2025 02:00 PM (IST)