Chander’s Chronicles: Capturing Kashmir’s Soul Through History’s Lens

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Meet Chander Mohan Bhat, a native of the picturesque village of Murran nestled within the Pulwama district of Kashmir. For over three decades, Chander Mohan Bhat has served as a beacon of knowledge and insight, contributing extensively to local dailies with his writings that delve deep into the tapestry of Kashmir’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse heritage. His words not only shed light on the region’s storied past but also offer glimpses into the daily lives of its inhabitants, painting a vivid picture of the land and its people.

Before the advent of social media, Chander’s literary endeavors primarily found expression in the pages of traditional newspapers, where his articles on Kashmir’s heritage sites, pilgrimage destinations, and the workings of the Department of Posts, where he served as Assistant Director, garnered widespread acclaim. However, with the rise of social media platforms, Chander saw an opportunity to expand his horizons and reach a broader audience.

Kashmiri Pandits’ Oal

Harnessing the power of digital communication, Chander embarked on ambitious projects that would showcase the beauty and diversity of Kashmir in new and innovative ways. One such project, which he has been tirelessly working on for more than two decades, is a mega project “Oal’’—The Nest. Under this Project, he has been documenting history and anecdotes linked with 595  villages of Kashmir where Kashmiri Pandits used to live before the community’s mass migration of 1990.

Motivated by a deep-rooted desire to preserve his homeland’s cultural and religious heritage, Bhat embarked on this journey of discovery, traversing rugged terrain and braving the uncertainties of a region marked by political turmoil.

As he ventured into the heart of Kashmir’s sacred sites, Chander Mohan Bhat encountered not only the physical remnants of centuries-old shrines but also the spiritual echoes of a bygone era. His encounters with locals, steeped in tradition and folklore, provided him with invaluable insights into the significance of these sites in the collective consciousness of the Kashmiri people. Yet, amidst the beauty and serenity of these hallowed grounds, Bhat also confronted the harsh realities of life in a conflict-ridden region, where tensions simmered beneath the surface, ready to erupt at a moment’s notice.

Undeterred Despite Challenges

Despite the challenges he faced, Bhat remained undeterred, driven by a sense of duty to preserve the cultural heritage of his homeland for future generations. His meticulous documentation of each temple and shrine, accompanied by high-resolution images capturing their architectural splendor, serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft. Bhat also recorded for posterity the high-resolution images and pictures of the floral wealth of Kashmir besides the assorted documentation of the environment and people inhabiting the places in Kashmir.

Book on Life & Teachings of Prof Kaul

In addition to his work on Kashmir’s religious heritage, Bhat has also undertaken a deeply personal project centered on the life and teachings of Professor Brij Nath Kaul (May 17, 1942 to January 31, 2020), a revered figure in the Kashmiri spiritual community.

Through painstaking research and interviews with those who knew him best, Bhat has pieced together a compelling portrait of a man whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the service of others. The book,  titled “ Professor Brij Nath Kaul—A Divine Soul ‘’  was released by Swami Gautmanandaji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission on May 10, 2024, at Ramakrishna Mission, Srinagar, Kashmir.

Professor Kaul’s own corpus of spiritual energy bestowed on him by his deeply religious parents kindled the devotional fire in him. Thus began his life’s story which appears to be the stuff of legends and has been told by Chander Mohan Bhat in a simple, lucid, and highly engaging narrative that is surely going to enthuse the readers of the book.

With two more books to his credit—Kashmir Shrines And Temples and Professor Brij Nath Koul - A Divine Soul, Bhat stands on the brink of sharing his passion and knowledge with the world. He has so far authored 18 books which include Murran My Village'', Ocean By Drops'', Mera Kashmir'', Fading Faces'', `` Kapal Mochan, Shopian Kashmir'' etc. Through his words, he hopes to not only educate and enlighten but also to inspire others to embrace the rich tapestry of culture and tradition that defines Kashmiri identity. His Book “Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir” confirms his researching capability. Through his words, he hopes to not only educate and enlighten but also to inspire others to embrace the rich tapestry of culture and tradition that defines Kashmiri identity.

While the first volume of ``Kashmir Shrines and Temples” is structured into five distinct sections, each delving into a specific aspect of the region’s religious heritage and cataloged over 600 shrines and temples scattered throughout Kashmir, the author progresses with the editing stage of the second volume of this book with further insights into these sacred locales, deepening their understanding of Kashmir’s profound spiritual legacy.

As he prepares to unveil his latest works shortly, Chander Mohan Bhat remains humbled by the opportunity to share his love for his homeland with the world. For him, social media is equally a tool for preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Kashmir for generations to come.