Based on records available on referencing texts like the Nilamata Purana
and Rajatarangini, the relationship between Kashmir and the sage Kashyapa
is one of mythological, etymological, and historical significance. The
region is traditionally considered to be the "Land of Kashyapa".
Etymology of "Kashmir": The name is believed to derive from Kashyapa-mira
(Kashyapa's Lake) or Kashyapa-meru (Kashyapa's Mountain). Another
interpretation in WisdomLib is that it is derived from Ka (water) and
Shimir (to desiccate/dry up), referring to the sage draining the lake.
Origin Legend (Satisar): According to the Nilamata Purana, the Kashmir
Valley was originally a vast lake named Satisar (Lake of Sati). The sage
Kashyapa, a revered Saptarishi, is said to have drained this lake by
creating an outlet, traditionally identified with the Baramulla gorge
(Varaha-mula).
Habitat Creation: After draining the water, Kashyapa is believed to have
made the land inhabitable and invited Brahmins and other sages to settle
there, transforming it into a sacred Tapobhumi (land of penance).
Cultural Significance: The narrative is central to the history of Kashmiri
Pandits, who trace their ancestry to this tradition. It is also linked to
the destruction of the demon Jalodbhava, who was terrorizing the region,
making it a story of reclaiming land from chaos.
Ancient Mentions: The region is associated with Kashyapapura, a name
referenced in connection to the accounts of *Hekataios. ****
While some modern analyses, such as those discussed in Countercurrents,
view this as a mythological narrative or "half-narration" of historical
events, the Nilamata Purana and Rajatarangini are the primary sources
establishing this foundational link.
*** Hekataios of Miletus (c. 549–486 BCE), an early Greek historian and
geographer, provided some of the earliest foreign references to the region
of Kashmir in classical literature. He is noted for referring to the region
as Kaspapyros (or Kaspalyros), which he described as a city of the
Gandarian kingdom.
Hekataios and his connection to Kashmir include:
Identification as Kaspapyros: Hekataios identifies Kaspapyros as a city
located in the Gandhara region, which is associated with the ancient
Kashmir territory.
Geographical Context: His writings, along with those of later Greeks like
Herodotus and Ptolemy, help place the ancient Kashmir valley (sometimes
referred to as Kaspeiria) within the broader context of Persian and Greek
geographical knowledge.
Historical Significance: These references are used to study the ancient
geography of India and Kashmir's connections with the Northwest Frontier
during the 6th century BCE.
{so can GOPALS confirm Kashyapa is 2500 years older as Adhi shankara?}
2 Apart from epigraphical sources (stone etchings, coins,
murals, excavations etc), several written texts like the Nilmat Puran (5th
Century) and Rajtarangini, a book on history composed by Pandit Kalhan in
12th Century are two of the most prominent sources of history about
Kashmir. It might be of interest to note that Kalhan is acknowledged as
India's FIRST AUTHENTIC HISTORIAN! We have writings of Chinese monk Hiuen
Tsang who stayed in Kashmir between 631-633 AD. Later day historians like
Jonaraja (1389-1459), Shrivara (1459-86), Prajya Bhatt, and Shuka carried
out the task of writing history till Kashmir was conquered by the Mughals.
Abul Fazal's books Akbarnama&Aiene-Akbari mention details about Akbar's
conquest of Kashmir. Three Persian books, Behristan-i-Shahi (translated by
Dr KN Pandita), Tarikhi-i-Kashmir by Hasan b Ali and Vaakat e Kashmir by
Muhammad Azam Dedmari(1753 AD) shed some light about the events between
14th and 19th century Kashmir under Islamic rule! Greek classics of
Ptolemy, Dionysios, Hekataios and Herodotos also mention Kashmir. This may
be related to the period when the power of the dynasty ruling Kashmir
extended much beyond its borders. Origin of Kashmir Valley: Geologically,
Kashmir Valley is a result of tectonic activity, specifically the uplift of
the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges, which created a depression that
became a lake. Both Pandit Kalhan (12th Century), Nilmat Puranam and the of
India First -Authentic a son of Kashmir Historian Rajtarangini, claim that
the lake, known as Satisar was drained by Sage Kashyap by cutting the
mountains at Varahmulla (modern Baramulla) and as the lake receded, it left
behind sediment-rich deposits, creating the fertile land that characterizes
the valley. Rulers of Kashmir: Kashmir is an ancient land - earliest
mention we find is in Mahabharat. Shree Krishna is said to have coronated
Queen Yashovati (Gonanda Dynasty) as the ruler of Kashmir with Himself as
her protector! Rajtarangini (A river of Kings), in its 8000 verses, has
mentioned kings (and queens) and dynasties that have ruled Kashmir from the
Mahabharat times till 12th century! The first dynasty Rajtarangini mentions
is the Gonanda Dynasty which ruled Kashmir for almost 1266 yrs, starting
1400 BC. Ashoka the Great (304 BC-232 BC) is said to have included Kashmir
into the Mauryan Kingdom. He and his son are credited with having
established the city of Srinagar. The Mauryan Empire was followed by the
Kushan Empire (1-3rd Century). Kanishka, the greatest King of the dynasty,
organized the Fourth Council of Buddhism in the year 72 CE in Kashmir.
Kashmir was also ruled by the Huns (6th century) and King Vikramaditya of
Ujjain briefly! It was during King Harshavardhana's rule that the Chinese
monk Hiuen Tsang stayed in Kashmir (631-633 CE). The Karkota Dynasty ruled
Kashmir between 625-855 CE, followed by the Utpala Dynasty (855-1012) and
the Lohara Dynasty (1003-1339). Emperor Lalitaditya Muktpida(724-760 CE) of
the Karkota Dynasty expanded his empire to cover several parts of India,
today's Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. Lalitaditya is also
credited with the building of Martand Temple, dedicated to the Sun God!
Islam gained political power in 1339, turning it into an Islamic Sultanate.
Shahmir Dynasty (1339-1561) was followed by Mughals (1586- 1752) and the
Durrani (Afghans)(1752- 1819). Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled
Kashmir briefly (1819-1846) followed by the Dogras (1846-1947). Since 1947,
the Abdullah dynasty has mostly ruled J&K!
3 Kashmir valley evolved as a garden where knowledge
bloomed. Thus, we find intellectual giants flourishing in Kashmir poets,
philosophers, spiritualists, and authors! Bharat Muni, the celebrated
author of Natya Sastra, Acharya Charak the author of Charak Samhita, Panini
the grammarian, Acharya Patanjali-sage of grammar and Yoga, Acharya
Vasugupt of Shiv Sutras fame, Acharya Abhinavagupta, the famous
philosopher-poet cum Trik Shaivism sage, Pt Vishnu Sharma, author of
Panchatantra, Acharya Kumarjiva, the Buddhist monk who translated Sanskrit
texts into Chinese - all have a Kashmir connect. That Yoga Vasishtha traces
its origin to Kashmir may come as a pleasant surprise to some; this book
has had an immense and enduring impact on the evolution of philosophy and
thought in India. Kashmir had the privilege of having the Sharada Peeth
University, located. about 135 km from Srinagar, in what is known as the
Kishen Ganga Valley. It was at par with the other famous universities of
ancient India like Nalanda and Takshashila. Sharada University attracted
students and scholars from not just across India but also from different
parts of Remnants of the Glorious the world, including, University of
Sharada from Greece, Peetham (currently in POJK) Mesopotamia, Central Asia,
Tibet, and China. It housed more than 5000 scholars and housed the biggest
library of those times. It may surprise some of you that the Tibetan script
owes its origin to Sharada University! In fact, the currently spoken
Punjabi language and script have a strong link to Sharada Language-Script
that is native to Kashmir. One of India's foremost Advait philosophers-Adi
Shankaracharya (788-820 CE) visited Kashmir and was put through religious
debates(shastrarth) at the Sharada University with Jain, Buddhist and
Shaivite scholars before he was allowed to open the Dakshin Dwar at Sharada
Peeth. Kashmir visit transformed Adi Shankar by exposing him to the concept
of Shakti and it was in Kashmir that Adi Shanka created his magnum opus
"Saundarya Lahiri". In Srinagar city, we have an ancient temple built on a
hill called Gopadri Hill - this temple is dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya;
today, the hill too is known as the Shankaracharya Hill! K
RAJARAM IRS 7326
On Sat, 7 Mar 2026 at 07:40, Rajaram Krishnamurthy <[email protected]>
wrote:
> The audacity of Gopala can be viewed; no one responded means yours is so
> senseless; not the other way; AI or Google is not a supremo except the data
> is provided only by less knowledgeable human; Kashmir and Kashyapa are in
> rhyme so some guessed so; so Kashyapa the sky the space and Aditi the earth
> are the cause of progeny. So if you write a story about you as if you were
> everywhere no one will barge in; but if you jibe at Indian treasure without
> the application of the mind then you have to bite the bullet; even when you
> accept you do copy and paste only from Google ,you cannot escape vicarious
> liability. Writing without truth does show that you are least prober in the
> dark, and you have to take it from the truth and keep mum; whether you do
> answer or not no one bothered; you are yet to quote Rigvedic verses though
> quote as if........KR IRS 7326
>
> On Fri, 6 Mar 2026 at 20:32, gopala krishnan <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Normally *I do not respond the baseless responses of Mr. Rajaram Which
>> will finally lead to abusing by him in Tamil.*
>>
>> If any five members of the Group agree to the the response of Mr.
>> Rajaram, I will openly take excuse for including the matters mentioned by
>> Mr. Rajaram.
>>
>> I have included the item about the sage Kashyapa and Kashmir after
>> verifying with Google search.
>>
>> If Mr. Rajaram argue Google is also wrong, I have nothing to do other
>> than ignoring him.
>> Gopalakrishnan
>>
>> On Friday, 6 March 2026 at 07:10:23 pm IST, Rajaram Krishnamurthy <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Kashyapa and Kashmir connections are as good as Kapila and california
>> USA. And Kashyapa gotra one can find in tanjore Mayavaram, kumbakonam every
>> 3rd house of which I am also one KR IRS 6326 NB That is why without
>> application of mind serious things being copied and pasted is dangerous. KR
>> IRS 6326
>>
>> On Fri, 6 Mar 2026 at 12:25, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> *SAGE KASHYAPA- PART 2(**Last Part)*
>>
>> *Continuing from part 1*
>>
>> Dear friends,
>>
>> We have seen already that Kashyapa was an ancient sage (rishis), *who
>> is one of the Saptarshis in the present Manvantara;* with others being
>> Atri, Vashishtha, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja.
>>
>> I am continuing with more information compiled in this part of posting.
>>
>> Gopalakrishnan. 06-03-2026
>>
>> *Vamana avatar, Rishi Kashyapa's son with Aditi, in the court of King
>> Bali.*
>>
>> In his marriage with Aditi, daughter of Daksha Prajapathi, *he
>> fathered Agni, the Adityas, and most importantly Lord Vishnu took his fifth
>> avtar as Vamana* the son of Aditi, in the seventh Manvantara.
>>
>> *Kasyapa received the earth from sage Parasurama*
>>
>> Kashyapa received the earth, obtained by Parashurama's conquest of King
>> Kartavirya Arjuna and henceforth, earth came to be known as "*Kashyapi".*
>>
>> Saint Jamadagni’s son was Lord Parshuram, who battled against all
>> Kshatriyas on the earth. Lord Parshuram then conducted a great *Ashwamedha
>> Yagya* and donated the earth to Saint Kashyap. *It was Saint Kashyap,
>> who asked Lord Parshuram to the Mahendra Mountain facing the Southern
>> ocean, as he feared that he would lose all Kshatriyas.*
>>
>> * Lord Parashuram obeyed him*, and he did not stay on earth since then.
>> The earth was then called as “kashyapi” since then.
>>
>> *Caspian sea*
>>
>> Also according to Greek historian Strabo, the name 'Caspian' and the
>> Caspian Sea are supposed to have been derived from his name Kashyapa , as
>> is also believed by the Hindus from India.
>>
>> *Solar Dynasty*
>>
>> His sons from Aditi were, Aṃśa, Aryaman, Bhaga, Dhūti, Mitra, Pūṣan,
>> Śakra, Savitṛ, Tvaṣṭṛ, Varuṇa, Viṣṇu, and *Vivasvat or Vivasvan, who
>> went on to start the Solar Dynasty (Suryavansha),* which later came to
>> be known as Ikshvaku dynasty, after his great grandson, King Ikshvaku,
>> whose subsequent kings were, Kukshi, Vikukshi, Bana, Anaranya, *Prithu,
>> Trishanku, and finally King Raghu,* who gave it the name, Raghuvansha
>> (Dynasty of Raghu), and then further leading up to Lord Rama, the son of
>> Dashratha.
>>
>> *Other children of Kasyapa*
>>
>> His sons from Diti were, *Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha* and a daughter
>> Sinhika, who later became the wife of Viprachitti. Hiranyakashipu had four
>> sons, Anuhlada, Hlada, Prahlada, and Sanhlada, who further extended the
>> Daityas.
>>
>>
>>
>> *Garuda and Aroona* are the sons of Kashyapa from his wife, Vinata
>>
>> *The Nāgas (serpents) are his sons from Kadru.*
>>
>> The Danavas are his sons from Danu.
>>
>> *The Bhagavata Purana states that the Apsaras were born from Kashyap and
>> Muni.*
>>
>>
>>
>> In the family line of Kashyapa, along with him there are *two more
>> discoverers of Mantras, namely, his sons Avatsara and Asita.* Two sons
>> of Avatsara, namely, Nidhruva and Rebha, are also Mantra-seers. *Asita
>> had a son named Shandila, from whom the famous Shandilya family line
>> (Gotra) started.*
>>
>>
>>
>> *Why the nagas and Garuda became enemies though fathered by Kashyapa?*
>>
>> Garuda and the Nagas became enemies due to a deep-*seated rivalry
>> between their mothers, Vinata and Kadru, who were co-wives of the sage
>> Kashyapa*. After Kadru tricked Vinata into slavery, she demanded Garuda
>> bring the nectar of immortality (Amritam) to free his mother. Although he
>> did, the betrayal fostered an eternal feud.
>>
>> *Key details of the enmity:*
>>
>> The Betrayal: Kadru (mother of the Nagas) and Vinata (mother of Garuda)
>> made a wager regarding the colour of the divine horse Uchaishravas. *Kadru
>> cheated to win, making Vinata her slave.*
>>
>> The Vow: *To free his mother from this slavery, Garuda was forced to
>> bring the elixir of life, Amritam, from the heavens.*
>>
>> Destined Enemies: The Nagas, who are snake deities, were destined to
>> become food for Garuda, creating an eternal battle between them.
>>
>> Specific Feuds: The rivalry was further intensified by stories like that
>> of the serpent Kaliya, whom Garuda hunted, prompting a war between them.
>>
>> *Father of species*
>>
>> He has a significant position in the evolution of species, where he is
>> called *“father of all species*”, where all beings, then bifurcated into
>> individual species, carrying a significant character, and specific feature
>> on their own.
>>
>> *Kashmir Valley*
>>
>> The valley of Kashmir is named after Sage kashyapa. Before that, the land
>> was only covered with water. Due to the sacred penance, and his mystical
>> power, he converted the total land into a land of prosperity and divine
>> vibrations.
>>
>> *Kashyapa Gotra in Kashmir and other places*
>>
>> It is historically and traditionally correct *that people belonging to
>> the Kashyap Gotra have a deep, foundational, and significant presence in
>> Kashmir*. The valley is intrinsically linked to the legendary Rishi
>> Kashyap, to whom the Gotra is traced.
>>
>> *Here is a breakdown of the connection:*
>>
>> *Legendary Origin*: According to the Nilamat Purana and Kalhana’s
>> Rajatarangini, the Kashmir Valley was once a vast lake called Satisar.
>>
>> *The Rishi Kashyap is credited with draining this lake, making it
>> inhabitable, and inviting settlers, which is why the land is considered the
>> "land of Rishi Kashyap" or Kashyap-mira*.
>>
>> Kashmiri Pandits: The indigenous Kashmiri Pandit community historically
>> traces its ancestry back to this sage.
>>
>> *Gotra Prevalenc*e: The Kashyap Gotra is one of the foundational clans
>> within the Kashmiri Pandit community, which is traditionally divided into
>> numerous Gotras, many of which are named after Rishis who lived in the
>> region.
>>
>> While many Kashmiri Pandits belong to the Kashyap Gotra, it is not the
>> only Gotra, and the community has many other clans.
>>
>> Kashyap Outside Kashmir: The Kashyap Gotra is also widespread among
>> various communities across India, *including Rajputs and other
>> Brahmanical groups.*
>>
>> Commonality: Rishi Kashyap is considered a "Universal Father" figure in
>> many traditions, and the Gotra is often assigned to those who do not know
>> their specific lineage
>>
>> *The Pravara sages of the Kashyapa Gotra*
>>
>> The Pravara sages of the Kashyapa Gotra primarily include *Kashyapa,
>> Avatsara, and Naidhruva*. This Tryarsheya (three-sage) pravara is
>> commonly used in rituals, identifying the lineage of Rishi Kashyapa, his
>> son Avatsara, and grandson Naidhruva. Variations include Raibhya and
>> Sandilya.
>>
>> Pravara Sages of Kashyapa Gotra
>>
>> Primary Pravara: Kashyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidhruva.
>>
>> Raibhya Pravara: Kasyapa, Avathsara, Raibhya.
>>
>> Sandilya Pravara (often associated with Kashyapa clan): Kasyapa,
>> Avathsara, Sandilya.
>>
>> Father of species- clarification
>>
>> As regarded as the father of all species, he is the forefather of all
>> (species). *Even before the life of Sage kashyapa, human beings had all
>> qualities of Devas, Nagas, Yakshas, and Gandharva*.
>>
>> It was only Sage kashyapa, who bifurcated based on their appearance,
>> mental abilities, qualities, and other diversities. He had several
>> wives, and their offsprings are considered to be different species. It is
>> believed that Garuda, the animal mount of Lord Vishnu and Aruna are the
>> sons of Sage Kashapa from his wife Vinata. The Nagas (serpents) are his
>> sons from his wife Kadru. The Danavas came from his wife Danu. *Sage
>> kashyapa and his wife Aditi, gave birth to Agni, the Adityas*. With his
>> wife Diti, he brought the clan of Daityas.
>>
>> *Conclusion:*
>>
>> The legends and his contributions can never be abridged. He has been
>> listed among the powerful sages in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, one of the
>> ancient texts which lists the sages of India. Not only in Hinduism, but he
>> has also been referred in Buddhism too, when Lord Buddha referred to
>> powerful saints, he mentioned the name of Sage kashyapa.
>>
>> *End of posting*
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Thatha_Patty" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to [email protected].
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/15146459.3280519.1772780121584%40mail.yahoo.com
>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/15146459.3280519.1772780121584%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
>> .
>>
>> --
>> On Facebook, please join https://www.facebook.com/groups/keralaiyerstrust
>>
>> We are now on Telegram Mobile App also, please join
>>
>> Pattars/Kerala Iyers Discussions: https://t.me/PattarsGroup
>>
>> Kerala Iyers Trust Decisions only posts : https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrust
>>
>> Kerala Iyers Trust Group for Discussions:
>> https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrustGroup
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "KeralaIyers" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to [email protected].
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/CAL5XZoocq8ktTpie8e1mvNNsrXTD-aLvMO%3DG%2ByQ0qnNgeuuS7w%40mail.gmail.com
>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/CAL5XZoocq8ktTpie8e1mvNNsrXTD-aLvMO%3DG%2ByQ0qnNgeuuS7w%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
>> .
>>
>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopi5x3zf6kxNKfqp-yzFb8Z0YCCAXodDwYSLbqvzahOKg%40mail.gmail.com.
