Lesser-Known Spiritual Folklore of the Rajouri

Col Ajay K Raina

ajaykrraina@gmail.com

Pir Panjal is the presiding mountain range of the Rajouri-Poonch area, visible from almost every nook and corner of this vast, hilly belt of the Jammu Province. A look into ancient times and later eras reveals how shifting faiths have influenced the nomenclature of these mountains, as well as other geographical features that now form part of the region's spiritual folklore.

The term "Pir Panjal" reflects a layered blend of ancient Indian geography and later spiritual influences from Islamic culture.

The second part, "Panjal," traces its origin to the Sanskrit term Panchala (sometimes associated with Panchala Deva). Early sources such as the Mahabharata and the Nilamata Purana describe the region as Panchala Desa. The 12th-century historian Kalhana also referred to the mountainous range and its presiding deity as Panchaladeva. Over time, linguistic evolution and shifts in local dialects gradually transformed Panchala into Panjal.

The prefix "Pir," on the other hand, derives from Persian and Arabic usage, meaning a "Sufi saint" or "spiritual guide." This element was incorporated much later, during the 14th century, when Kashmir underwent significant Islamisation. During this period, important mountain passes and trade routes across the range were frequented by Sufi mystics, thereby associating the region with these spiritual figures. In essence, the name "Pir Panjal" represents the confluence of two historical layers: an ancient Sanskrit geographical identity and a later Sufi spiritual imprint.

Much of the terrain along the Line of Control (LC) is dotted with shrines dedicated to Pirs. Mountains have been named after such figures, while hills host temples and shrines. Alongside these are numerous tales and belief-based narratives that may appear debatable to a scientific mind. Faith, however, does not always follow the scientific curve.

There is a Shiv Mandir on the Dhindeka operational track, which has been used since early times to maintain troops on Kothi Dhar via animal transport. In 1972, an engineer task force was deployed to develop this into an operational route. During blasting operations, the task force reportedly discovered a Shivling along with a massive dead snake, said to weigh over a quintal. It is believed that the following night, Havildar Gurmail Singh saw Lord Shiva in a dream. Mahadev instructed him to build a temple at the site where the snake's remains were found, assuring that only then would the track be completed safely. The temple was subsequently constructed and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to another piece of folklore, a family of Sufi saints is believed to have arrived a few centuries ago in the area of Bhimber Gali (a pass between Rajouri and Mendhar, distinct from the town of Bhimber). They comprised five brothers and two sisters. After initially spreading Sufism in the surrounding areas, they travelled to different parts of Jammu & Kashmir. Among them, Pir Panjal is said to have returned to the mountains, while Pir Matalsi and Pir Satwan are believed to have moved towards Naushera-Jhangar, Mirpur, and Kotli. Their shrines are located on Kothi Dhar. Although modern maps no longer carry their names, two ridges in the Jhangar area were once marked as Matalsi Ridge and Satwan Ridge on older Army maps. Mata Ranjot, one of the sisters, is believed to have lent her name to the peak of Mata Ranjoti (now in POJK).

Another account speaks of Sufi saints reputed to be able to strike water wherever they settled. Shalak Pir is said to be one such saint who settled in Kothi Dhar, on Usman Avenue near its junction with Sher Makri Road. Notably, a perennial spring exists at this site, despite the surrounding terrain being otherwise dry.

Khori Baba was another Sufi saint and a devotee of Lord Shiva. At the present location of his shrine on Nothi Dhar, he had established a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the 1947-48 operations, it is said that invading forces threatened him to join them. When he refused, they killed his family members after repeated warnings. When they attempted to kill him as well, he asked for a few moments, entered a cave (Khor), and was never seen again.

Mangala Mata Temple is an ancient shrine of great local reverence. Situated within a cave, it features stalactite and stalagmite formations believed to resemble the udders of Kamdhenu, said to have produced milk in ancient times. Small pindis are also present, representing Mangala Mata. It is also believed that during 1947, infiltrators hid in these caves but were struck blind before they could harm the locals, forcing them to flee. The shrine continues to be revered by both residents and visitors.

It is believed that the Pandavas spent their final year of exile in this region, making the present site of Khambah Fort their abode. Being Shaivites, they are said to have established six temples, each housing a Shivling-one for each brother and a sixth for their mother, Kunti. The Shivlings, though affected by time, remain notable for their simplicity and proportion. One Shivling, believed to belong to Kunti, was reportedly uprooted by villagers but later abandoned when the person carrying it was struck blind by lightning. In May 1993, the Army constructed a temple at this site, where a spring continues to flow beneath the Shivling.

Veer Badreshwar Temple holds immense historical significance and is believed to date back to 141 AD, making it the oldest temple in the region. A Pir's grave is also located at the site, now popularly known as Pir Badesar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is adorned with bells offered by devotees. Situated along the LC and maintained by the Indian Army, it commands a panoramic view of the surrounding terrain, including the Lam-Qila Darhal area. Various accounts exist regarding its renaming, though these fall beyond the scope of this discussion.

The Devsthan of Baba Bhiram Shah is located in Jhangar village, near the LC, and includes a 368-kanal estate granted by the royalty. Born in the late 16th century in Kanjoor (now in Pakistan) into a Dutta Brahmin family, Baba Bhiram Shah left home at a young age and eventually settled in Mirpur. There, he lived in a temple, learned from a Purohit, and delivered poetic sermons that deeply influenced people. His spiritual stature reached the Mughal emperor Jehangir, who is said to have visited him. His descendants, known as Bhiram Shahi Duttas, and his followers are spread widely, particularly across Jammu & Kashmir.

The area in the shadow of the Pir Panjal Range stands as a remarkable tapestry where geography, history, and spirituality intersect. Its mountains, shrines, and enduring folklore reflect centuries of cultural layering-where ancient Hindu traditions and later Sufi influences coexist and intertwine. These narratives, whether historical or belief-driven, continue to shape the region's identity, offering insight into a landscape where faith transcends boundaries and time.