Kargil- Shiva-Parvati's sacred abode!

  

Kargil is an important division of Laddakh. This region came into the news in 1999 because of the Pakistani encroachment followed by a war that the Indian army and Kargil citizens heroicly fought together and pushed back the Pak army. However apart from these heroic stories, there are many unknown and yet wonderful things, not only its thrilling romantic beauty but its history and legends about the Kargil which needs to be known, visited and enjoyed to the fullest extent.  

 

Valley is connected through the ancient Zojila pass, silk rout that has a two-millennium long history. It was and is the most difficult pass that was controlled by Tibet till 8^th century. Mighty emperor of Kashmir, Lalitaditya attached Tibet via Gilgit-Baltistan and brought Laddakh and this pass under his control. Having gained control over this important trade route and nearby regions he became de facto a sovereign power which became a threat to Tibet and China. Lalitaditya diplomatically made a treaty with China and both together tried to keep Tibet at bay. In fact Lalitaditya’s victory over Gilgit-Baltistan and Laddakh changed geopolitical equations since then.

Traveling through this pass is a thrilling experience one must go through at the least once in a lifetime. Nearby Drass is the second-coldest place in the world where the temperature drops to about minus 45-50 degrees in winters. 

 

In this picture, you can see the pair mountain peaks now called Nun Kun. Traveling to Nun Kun through Suru valley is mesmerizing and romantic thrill that young couples may want to enjoy, adventurous people may have a lifetime thrill and the peace lovers may experience the serenity and tranquility that is rare anywhere else.

These peaks not always were known by this name. Out of ignorance, it is a common understanding that there are no Hindu religious places in Laddakh-Kargl, but it is not true. Like Kashmir Kargil also was connected with Lord Shiva and Parvati since ancient times. 

There is a legend recorded in Kalika Purana that names of these peaks were called “Shiv-Parvat” peaks then. From Kailasa why Shiva and Parvati came to make their abode here is an interesting story. However, these peaks really appear as if a divine couple in an eternal romance sitting with their sky-high posture!

 

Also in the same legend, it is recorded about Suru river how its flow was closed by a cruel and vicious Naga (Cobra) at the bottom of these peaks and how he created havoc among the people living in the valley. It is said that enraged Shiva, upon the request of Partvat hurled his trident at the terrific cobra and freed the enclosed water of the river thus making people happy and the valley green and happy.

Albeit it is a myth, creation of the imaginative faithful minds, but the geologically a wonderful fact is at the bottom of the mountain Suru river rushes hundreds of feet down below an almost enclosed gap, invisible from above! One can see the rushing water of the river through a gorge which appears through the enclosed 7-800 feet deep narrowest crack not less than a kilometer away. It is a geological wonder one must witness!

 It is said that before the rise of the Buddhism in this region, this was a major pilgrimage center of the Hindus. Amarnath yatra would be complete only after paying respect to Shiv-Parvati peaks. The tradition can be renewed now by the devotees.

Traveling through Suru valley towards these peaks and visiting glacier is a dream one may want to bring true at the least once in his/her life!