Excelsior Correspondent
ANANTNAG, Aug 2: Number of Shivlings and a damaged sculpture have been found during the excavation carried out at the Hindu shrine of Karkut Nag in Veil Nagabal area of Salia in Anantnag district of South Kashmir.
The shrine is being developed as part of a broader renovation project of the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
The idols unearthed were Shivlings including some in damaged conditions and a broken sculpture depicting many deities. This sculpture is believed to be part of an ancient temple pillar, which once stood at the place. The Shivlings found were mostly those on which people were performing Abhishek, which is a sacred Hindu ritual involving the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam with various substances.
The experts from the Department of Archives, Archeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir Government were also present on the occasion who said that these memorable stones depicting various Hindu deities needed study and research to confirm its exact age and origins.
The Karkut Nag Kund holds deep religious significance for Hindus, especially Kashmiri Pandits, who believe it is connected to the serpent deity Naga Karkut, revered in ancient Kashmiri traditions. The Karkut Nag is also a dual manifestation of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, who are worshipped there for centuries.
The members of the Papharan Nag Karkut Nag Trust were also present on the occasion who said that Karkut Nag was an ancient pilgrimage centre for Hindus who visited the shrine for mediation and worship. They, also, said that Government has already taken up the development work at the shrine and there is also a need to construct a temple to restore the glory of the shrine.
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