Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. (KOA)

Om auspiciousness. Salutation to the auspicious Ganes'a.
Salutation to the venerable Vasudeva Om.

The Nilamata is a Kashmiri Purana referred to by Kalhana as one of the sources of the ancient history of Kasmira. Buhler, whom goes the credit of saving its manuscripts, states on page 41 of his Report, "It great value lies therein that it is a real mine of information regarding the sacred places of Kashmir and their legends which are required to explain the Rajatarangini and that it shows how Kalhana has used his sources". But as a matter of fact the Nilamata gives besides, the account of sacred places, a lot of information about the Kasmiri way of living. The picture of ancient 'Kasmira' presented by its study is not complete and compact, still it is significant for its value which is supplementary to that of the Rajatarangini. While the Rajatarangini acquaints us with kings, queens and ministers of 'Kasmira', the Nilamata generally speaks of common men in their homes, streets, gardens and temples. The life of the common people, the food and drinks they took, the amusements they resorted to, the currents of religious thoughts they followed and the rites and ceremonies they performed throughout the year are described therein. If the Rajatarangini is important from the point of view of the political history of 'Kasmira', the Nilamata is no less important for the cultural history of that part of the country.

The Nilamata Purana - A Brief Survey The Nilamata is a Kashmiri Purana referred to by Kalhana as one of the sources of the ancient history of Kasmira. Buhler, whom goes the credit of saving its manuscripts, states on page 41 of his Report, "It great value lies therein that it is a real mine of information regarding the sacred places of Kashmir and their legends which are required to explain the Rajatarangini and that it shows how Kalhana has used his sources". >>>		Art, Culture and Food Personal decoration is recommended often in the Nilamata. The garlands and perfumes which seem to have been necessary materials for the worship of the deities are no less essential for the worshippers who, too, are enjoined upon to be well-anointed and well-decorated at the time of worship. >>>

Position of Women in Ancient Kashmir The most relieving feature of the family-life of Kasmira as seen in the Nilmata, is the position of women. Nowhere is she considered 'the living torch illuminating the way to hell' or 'the devourer of the intellect of men'. There is no reference to any veil worn by her and she moves quite freely in the society, emulating as it were the free-going sparkling waters of the springs of her country. >>>		The Nilamatpuranam and Kashmir Nilamatpuranam from its very composition does not appear to be a work of the Rishi begun and completed at one long sitting. It has been on the anvil for fears and the strokes of the hammer have not been uniform. So looseness, introducing of general theories, beliefs, stories and mythically imaginational rhapsodies, have found this valuable tome of important information. >>>

Living Rituals of Nilmat Purana Nilmat Puran is one of the famous Puranas that deals with the Valley of Kashmir in respect of its creation, its original inhabitants-Nagas, Pisachas and Brahmins, their style of living, religion, customs, festivals and topography. It peeps into the ancient history of Kashmir. It was written by some Kashmiri Brahman between 6th and 7th century A.D. In all there are 1453 verses in it. >>>