ESSENCE OF PURANAS SERIES
Chapter 2: Close Association of Kashmira and Devi Sati
Condensed English Translation by Sri V.D.N. Rao
Most importantly, the main reason was that Kashmira and Devi Uma were of mutual interest and regard. In fact, Kashmira was originally the ‘Sati Sarovara’, since converted as a valley:
YAIVA DEVI UMA SAIVA KASMIRAA NRUPASATTHMA,
AASEET SARAH PURNAJALAM SURAMYAM SUMNOHARAM/
KALPAARAMBHA PRABHRUTI YAT PURAA MANVANTARAANI SHAT,
ASMIN MANVANTARYE VISHYAM SUMANO HARARAM /
(Muni Vaishampayana confirmed that Bhagavati Uma / Sati was Kashmira herself as manifested as a huge waterbody eversince the beginning of the present Kalpa for the last six Manvantaras). The valley was well-known for its Natural Beauty and Bounty as of excellent fertility of rice crops, wide range of trees, fruits, flowers and vegetables. The population of Kashmira was highly virtuous: the Brahmanas were adept in their own meditation, Yagjna Karmas and Veda-Vedangas always; the Kshatriyas were valiant, well trained in warfare and capable of battle skills possessive of excellent armoury and armaments; the Vaishyas or the Business Class were accomplished in trading and retailing; while others were hardworking and honest. The Kasmira Society was orderly and hard working, religious and God-Believing, and possessive of social values of justice and devotion. Kashmira was spotted with several Temples, Sacred Rivers, Tirthas of popular belief, Hermitages and Yogashrams, ringing with Veda Shravanas; at the same time of the sounds of armoury and war-training camps, besides the busy market places with bargain sales, retailing Trade Fairs and abundant merchandise.It was a land of faith and fear of God, of gardens and wilderness of forests, and in short a vibrant and virtuous land of pristine beauty and sacredness. There is a River Goddess, most popularly called Vitasta, flowing down the mountain of Himalayas, fulfilling the desires and aspirations of devotees while on the banks of the River were a sizeable existence of Nagas with their own customs, beliefs, rituals and social values.
YAIVA DEVI UMA SAIVA KASMIRAA NRUPASATTHMA,
AASEET SARAH PURNAJALAM SURAMYAM SUMNOHARAM/
KALPAARAMBHA PRABHRUTI YAT PURAA MANVANTARAANI SHAT,
ASMIN MANVANTARYE VISHYAM SUMANO HARARAM /
(Muni Vaishampayana confirmed that Bhagavati Uma / Sati was Kashmira herself as manifested as a huge waterbody eversince the beginning of the present Kalpa for the last six Manvantaras). The valley was well-known for its Natural Beauty and Bounty as of excellent fertility of rice crops, wide range of trees, fruits, flowers and vegetables. The population of Kashmira was highly virtuous: the Brahmanas were adept in their own meditation, Yagjna Karmas and Veda-Vedangas always; the Kshatriyas were valiant, well trained in warfare and capable of battle skills possessive of excellent armoury and armaments; the Vaishyas or the Business Class were accomplished in trading and retailing; while others were hardworking and honest. The Kasmira Society was orderly and hard working, religious and God-Believing, and possessive of social values of justice and devotion. Kashmira was spotted with several Temples, Sacred Rivers, Tirthas of popular belief, Hermitages and Yogashrams, ringing with Veda Shravanas; at the same time of the sounds of armoury and war-training camps, besides the busy market places with bargain sales, retailing Trade Fairs and abundant merchandise.It was a land of faith and fear of God, of gardens and wilderness of forests, and in short a vibrant and virtuous land of pristine beauty and sacredness. There is a River Goddess, most popularly called Vitasta, flowing down the mountain of Himalayas, fulfilling the desires and aspirations of devotees while on the banks of the River were a sizeable existence of Nagas with their own customs, beliefs, rituals and social values.