Baramulla, a town in the Kashmir Valley, holds a significant place in the region's ancient history. The modern-day Baramula was once known as Varahamulakshetra or Varaha Kshetra, a name that reflects its deep connection to Hindu mythology and religion. This place was particularly associated with the Adivaraha, the boar incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, which made it a site of great religious importance.
Historical Significance
In ancient times, Varaha Kshetra was not just a religious site but also a thriving suburb of Huvishkapura, known today as Ushkur. Huvishkapura itself was named after the Kushan emperor Huvishka, who ruled over the region in the 2nd century CE. This area became a hub for religious and cultural activities, particularly during the reigns of Kashmiri rulers like Lalitaditya Muktapida, Queen Sugandha, and Kshemagupta in the 9th and 10th centuries CE. During this period, the cult of Vishnu was at its peak in Kashmir, and numerous temples and monasteries dedicated to Lord Vishnu were constructed in Varaha Kshetra.
Destruction and Loss to Hindus and Hinduism
The religious and cultural heritage of Varaha Kshetra faced devastating destruction during the reign of Sikandar Butt-Shikan, who ruled from 1390 to 1416 CE. Known for his extreme intolerance towards Hinduism, Sikandar earned the nickname "Butt-Shikan," meaning the "Iconoclast," for his relentless campaign against Hindu temples and idols. Under his rule, the grand temples and monasteries of Varaha Kshetra were systematically destroyed. The religious fervor that once defined the region was ruthlessly extinguished, leading to a significant loss for Hindus and Hinduism. The temples that had stood for centuries as symbols of religious devotion were reduced to rubble, leaving only a few columns and stone tablets as remnants of the past glory.
Modern-Day Situation
In the present day, Baramula bears little resemblance to its ancient past as Varaha Kshetra. The town is now predominantly Muslim, reflecting the broader demographic and cultural shifts that have occurred in Kashmir over the centuries. The remnants of the ancient Hindu temples and monasteries are almost nonexistent, with only a few archaeological traces remaining to remind visitors of the town's illustrious past. The loss of these religious sites represents not just a physical destruction but also a spiritual and cultural erasure for the Hindu community in the region.
Similar Sites in the Region
The fate of Varaha Kshetra is not unique in the Kashmir Valley. Throughout the region, several ancient Hindu and Buddhist sites have met similar ends, particularly during periods of religious intolerance and political upheaval. Another notable example is Martand Sun Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya, built by King Lalitaditya in the 8th century CE. This grand structure was also destroyed during Sikandar Butt-Shikan's rule, leaving behind only ruins. Similarly, the Sharda Peeth, an ancient center of learning dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, now lies in ruins in the Neelum Valley, across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Varaha Kshetra, now Baramulla, stands as a poignant reminder of the rich and diverse cultural heritage that once flourished in the Kashmir Valley. The town's transformation from a sacred Hindu site to its current state is emblematic of the broader religious and cultural changes that have swept across the region over the centuries. While the physical remnants of Varaha Kshetra may have largely disappeared, the historical and spiritual significance of the site continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the ancient past of Kashmir.