How a mythical boar's molar supposedly carved the path for the Jhelum River
In short: Baramulla, a historic city in the Kashmir Valley, carries a name rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. Legend claims the region was once a vast lake until a divine intervention involving a boar created an outlet for the water. Today, this gateway city serves as a vital center for northern Kashmir.
The name Baramulla originates from the Sanskrit term Varahamula, combining words for wild boar and root or deep, often translated as boar's molar. According to traditional Hindu narratives, the Kashmir Valley was formerly a lake called Satisaras, inhabited by a water-dwelling demon named Jalodbhava. The myth recounts that Lord Vishnu transformed into a boar and struck the mountainside at this location, piercing the terrain to allow the trapped lake waters to drain away.
Historically, the settlement was known as Varahamulaksetra and functioned as a suburb of the ancient city Huviskapura. During the ninth and tenth centuries, under rulers like Lalitaditya Muktapida and Queen Sugandha, the area became a significant religious hub where Vishnu worship thrived alongside Buddhist monasteries. By the 15th century, the city also gained prominence as a center for Islamic pilgrimage, particularly following the arrival of Syed Janbaz Wali in 1421, whose shrine remains a focal point for visitors.
The city's strategic position on the Jhelum River made it a primary gateway for trade and travel into the valley. However, it faced catastrophic destruction during the First Kashmir War in 1947. Following the tribal invasion on 22 October 1947, the town suffered immense loss of life and infrastructure, including a notorious attack on St. Joseph's Hospital. Indian forces eventually secured the city on 9 November 1947. Today, Baramulla has evolved into a modern educational and administrative hub, housing institutions like the Government Medical College and the north campus of the University of Kashmir.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Baramulla
- Also: Wikidata — Baramulla · CC0
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