Baramulla got its current name from the Sanskrit word “Varahmula” that comprises two words -“Varah” and “Mula”, Varah means “boar” and Mula means “root”

Nomenclature and mythology - This is narrated by prehistoric Hindu texts which mentions the Kashmir valley being a lake named “Satisaras” (meaning Parvati’s lake). This lake was forcefully occupied by a devil named “Jalodbhava”. Later Lord Vishnu adopted the appearance (took avatar) of a boar and broke the mountain (killed the demon). This act of Lord Vishnu created an aperture for the water to pour out, which today is known as Jhelum river.

History - The region where Baramulla or Varahmula is spread is of immense historical significance. The town was established by King Bhimsina in 2306 BCE and has witnessed the visits of famous travellers as the place served as a good place to halt. People like (British Historian Moorcraft and Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Baramulla.

The Buddhist Viharas and the Hindu Teertha made Baramulla devout to Buddhists and Hindus since ancient times

The Buddhist Viharas and the Hindu Teertha made Baramulla devout to Buddhists and Hindus since ancient times. 

Also in the 15th century Muslims too found this city to be of great importance, wherein in 1421, Syed Janbaz Wali chose Baramulla as a center for his purpose. Post death he was buried in the town and a plethora of pilgrims came to visit his shrine. The 6th Guru of Sikhs, Sri Hargobind also visited Baramulla in 1620. Thus, the city was like a melting pot where people hailing from various sects lived together.

6th Guru of Sikhs, Sri Hargobind also visited Baramulla in 1620

When Jammu and Kashmir acceded to the “Union of India” in 1947, it did not bring joy to the native Kashmiri Hindus. Instead a new storm of destruction gathered, as hapless victims to a tyrannical order the state governments of all political parties worked out the single-point programme of marginalising them out for ethnic cleansing. The temple lands and cremation grounds approved by relevant documents as properties, faced immediate onslaught and were first held in dispute by resorting to “tampering of records.” In 1978 various SROs issued by the government not only strengthened the Muslim Auqaf Act but also Fated the Muslims to grab the temple lands without check. 

Not fewer than 70 temples and lands attached with them were cruelly 

Not fewer than 70 temples and lands attached with them were cruelly snatched from the possession of the Pandits who proffered their claims supported by relevant revenue records but were arbitrarily dismissed. The temples of historical importance were assaulted and huge portions from them sliced away to be offered to the Muslims as booty in a platter.

on 24th October, 1947 Pakistani tribal forces attacked the city, looted, burned, killed and damaged the temples

The destruction of Hindu symbols and especially temples did continue in the coming decades and following are some examples of the temples destroyed in Baramulla by Pakistani sponsored terror.

1. Shailputri Temple, Baramulla - The temple has been completely burnt. The main idol of the Shailputri riding on an ox was attacked and its arms and legs axed. The whole complex is devastated. The walls surrounding the area have been damaged. The idol of Shailputri in its mutilated form is in the protective custody of B.S.F. personnel. The propaganda launched from various media agencies about the execution of repairs to the devastated temple complex with the aid of locals has been only a lie among many lies told about the secular polity of Kashmir lying in shambles.

2. Raja Ram Mountains - These mountains lie between Tangadar and Teetwal. The idol of Ram has been desecrated, broken or looted.

3. Khoj Bagh Temple, Baramulla - It was a Shiva Temple and has been burnt.

4. Hanjivera Temple, Pattan, Baramulla - The Samadhi of an unknown saint within the temple premises has been demolished.

5. Venkara Temple, Baramulla - The temple has been burnt.

6. Palhalan Temple Baramulla - It stands burnt to ashes

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