Naranag Nara Nag | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Naranag, Ganderbal district, J&K, India | |
  Naranag  Naranag | |
| Coordinates:34°21′09″N74°58′30″E / 34.3525°N 74.975°E /34.3525; 74.975 | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Jammu & Kashmir |
| Division | Kashmir |
| District | Ganderbal |
| CD Block | Kangan |
| Elevation | 2,128 m (6,982 ft) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kashmiri,Urdu,Hindi,Dogri, English[1][2] |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Postal Index Number | 191202 |
| Vehicle registration | JK16 |
Naranag or(Nara Nag) is a tourist village[3] andancientHindu pilgrimage site, nearGanderbal town in theGanderbal district of theKashmir Valley inJammu and Kashmir. Well known for its ancienttemple ruins complex, it is located around 16km fromKangan,[4] 10km upstream from theSind River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to theMount Haramukh 16,870 ft (5,142 meters) andGangabal Lake. The village lies on the left bank of the Wangath River, which is a tributary of theSind River.[5] There is a Tourism hut at Naranag where tourism officials are available to provide information and assistance. The hut also offers accommodation.
The Naranag valley is noted for its scenic meadows.[6] The village is a base camp for trekkers to theMount Haramukh, theGangabal Lake andSatsar (the seven lakes).[7][8] It is also a base for the trekkers toGadsar Lake, theVishansar Lake and theKrishansar Lake, though it takes 5 to 7 days of trekking.
There are also many other peaks and alpine meadows around the Naranag Valley. In the winters, Naranag receives heavy snowfall, during whichskiing is practiced.[9]
The Naranag temple is the main attraction for tourists. It is one of the important archaeological sites of the country.[10] The site consists of a cluster of temples facing each other at a distance of about 200 meters.[11] Historians say that the temple is dedicated toShiva and was built byLalitaditya Muktapida, of the Kayastha Naga Karkota Dynasty in the 8th century AD. It is believed that the king Awantivarman paid a visit and donated a pedestal for bathing at Bhuteshwar ("Bhutsher").
It is also believed to be dedicated to the ancient Nagas. Hence, the name "Naranag". It was built by the Naga Karkotas, who are said to be Hindu Kashmiri Saraswat Brahmins of the Naga sect, known for their reverence for serpents. They used to stay here and do their sadhanas. According to local belief, these structures are built by some supernatural powers called (daya) in the local language. Such beliefs remain popular among residents.
The government has built perimeter walls around the temple ruins to protect it from encroachment. Every year on the eve of pilgrimage toGangabal Lake by Kashmiri Pandits, prayers are offered at the temple complex to kick start the pilgrimage.
The residents of the village, as well as tourists, face hardships due to the unavailability ofmobile connectivity in the village. Naranag does not have mobile connectivity even after its launch across Jammu and Kashmir in 2003.[12]