Baba Dhansar is a Hindu religious site located at Karua Jheel (pond) near the village of Karua, approximately 17 km from Reasi towards Katra in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The site is accessible by a short walk of about 200 metres from the main road.
Mythological Background
According to local belief, when Lord Shiva traveled to the Amarnath cave to narrate the story of his immortality to Parvati, he left his serpent king, Sheshnag, at Anantnag. Shesh Nag is said to have come in human form as Vasudev, and one of Vasudev's sons was Dhansar, described as a saintly person.
Another local legend holds that in ancient times, a demon lived near Karua Jheel and committed atrocities against the people of village Karua. The villagers sought the help of Baba Dhansar, who is believed to have prayed to Lord Shiva for assistance. According to the tradition, Lord Shiva arrived and helped in killing the demon.
Religious Significance
The temple of Baba Dhansar and a cave of Lord Shiva near Karua Jheel have become places of worship. Karua Jheel is considered sacred, and bathing in the pond itself is not permitted; however, devotees may bathe downstream. It is believed that wishes are fulfilled if one bathes in the stream and prays with complete faith.
A large number of devotees visit the site annually on the occasion of Mahashivratri, when a fair (mela) is organized. The site is also noted as the hometown of actor Sumit Raina.
References
The site is documented in the Wikipedia article "Baba Dhansar" and is referenced in the book Impact of Terrorism on Jammu and Kashmir Tourism by Major P. Rajan (2006, p. 121).
