Kashmiri Pandits 3

Kashmir, once called Sharda Peeth ,was regarded as seat of learning and abode of Mata sharda, reminiscences of which can now be revived by observing the dilapidated temple of Mata Sharda in Pakistan occupied Kashmir . It stands like a mute spectator to changing times and bears testimony to our past glory and pride. Therefore, It is a matter of concern that origin of Kashmiri heritage which identifies Kashmiri pandit community and makes Kashmiri pandits distinguished from other communities of India has been forgotten by its descendants and no attempt has been made to pay visits to this great shrine ,unlike our Sikh community , who visit Nankanasahib at Pakistan regularly. Moreover, no temple of Godess sharda was rebuilt in Kashmir or Jammu province in India thereafter.
It is believed that eleven universities were existing in Kashmir in earlier times. One of the universities was located in Bijbihara town. The major subjects like Sanskrit. Vedas, Astrology and Mathematics were being taught in these universities. The students from all over India and even from neighbouring countries used to visit Kashmir for learning various subjects and arts. The convocation of universities was being held on Garu Triya , when certificates were distributed among newly passed graduates by their Chief Garus. Garu triya is still being celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits when a picture of Mata Sharda along with Ganpati is delivered by their Kulguru as a token for original university certificates. The original script of Kashmiri language was also in Sharda alphabets. Many Hindu communities in northetrn India, while performing yagnopavit ceremony of their children make them to bow in the direction of Kashmir and Kashi as a mark of reverence to these two seats of learning.
The Kashyap Rishi who founded the Kashmir after converting the great lake of Satiswar into beautiful valley was a descendent of Lord Bramha. Then further generations of Kashap Rishi who were great Rishis themselves formed their indudual families which are represented by Gotras of Kashmiri pandit families nowadays. As Kauls represent Dattatriya Rishi clan Kaks represent Guatam Rishis clan Rainas represent Vishwamiter Rishi clan and so on and so forth.
The Kashmiri Pandits were Shiv and Shakti upasaks from the times immemorial. The founder of Shivism in Kashmir was great Abhinav gupt followed by Utpal dev. The main difference between Shivism in general and Kashmiri Shivism in particular is that Shivism believes in ' Jagat Mithya Shivo satyam ' and Kashmiri Shivism believes in 'Jagat Satyam Shivo satyam. The Great Shankaracharya recognised the power of Shakti in Kashmir only. The Shivratri is the great festival of Kashmiri Pandits.
The Kashmiri Shivism has many School of thougts. One of the school of thoughts is Kaulism. The believers in such school of thought were known as kauls. which is most common surname prevalent in Kashmiri Pandits.
The Karamkand of Kashmiri Pandits is different from their southern counterparts.It has been founded by Logashta muni to whom respects are given at the start of every karam kand by kashmiri Pandits.
Walter Lawrence writes in his book 'The Valley of Kashmir' that though Kashmiri Pandits were meat eaters but they were far ahead in spiritual pursuits than their southern counterparts.