By G.L Khajuria Literally speaking, Chenab seems to have been derived from a Persian word `Cheen' (China) and `Aab' (water) which when joined together connotes `China's water' but the learned school of thoughts negate it and construed it as "Cheen-Aab", finding its (Chenab's) origin from `Lahul- Spiti Valley' which virtually on many accounts attribute that Chenab's origin emanates from "Tandi" - a small village or hamlet adjoining Himachal Pradesh, neighbouring state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chenab River finds its origin in Sanskrit texts also.
As per `Nilamatapurana' this river has its origin from higher reaches (Chandrabhaga) confluencing Chandra (Moon) with Bhaga (virtue or luck) at Atholi, some 65kms from krishna and as such emanated its name as "Chandrabhaga" - The River Chenab.
From "Lahul - Spiti", Chenab river sweeps down gorgeously, taking twists and turns on sharp bends that are at some locations too narrow and too deep.
It runs equally majestically at its other route that has broader widths all along the underlying bed - rocks of sub-Himalayan Precambrian region.
This river passes "Pangi Valley" (HP), down below Dharwas, Padder, Bhanderkote, Marwah, Warwan, Nun Kun peaks adjoining Zanskar and thereafter gushing down with fiery foaming currents of water it joins Siraj of Doda district.
After flowing down Ramban and confluencing enroute with smaller rivers, rivulets, streams and small nullahs viz.
Kalani, Kalguni, Bhalassa, Neru and others which come in its way, Chenab reaches Akhnoor in full glory.
On the either sides of Chenab exist lush-green, beautiful mountains, cliffs and uplands with quite enchanting multihued Pines, Quercuses and evergreen flowery and honey dewed meadows.
This is what else than bountiful natural beauty although it is hidden and not tiptoed.
Perched upon hard rock lies the erstwhile Doda district, that was once headquater but now diversified into two more districts viz.
Kishtwar and Ramban, is serene, scenic and beautiful spot beside the river Chenab.
Doda district is home to around 6,90,500 people.
Places falling in this district include Thathri, Bhalessa, Ramban and Banihal etc.
This district has the biggest forest area that has Deodar, kail, Fir, spruce, Maple, Oak, Walnut trees in abundance.
Chanderbhaga or Chenab in its back drop of vibrant vegetative cover is Nature's self-speaking grandeur and glory.
This river has enroute on it 'Dul Hasti and 'Salal Hydroelectric Projects apart from Baglihar (Batote) and Sawalakote (Reasi) projects that are in process.
The district is a treasure trove of world famous sapphire mines in Padder, Zinc in Ramsu and ruby gems in Kishtwar apart from timber, minerals, woolen clothes (Pattu and Lois), fruits, anardana (dried pomegranate seeds), guchiyan, herbs, medicinal and aromatic plants and allied minor forest produce.
The entire belt of Bhaderwah finds overriding importance as far as its serene, scenic beauty is concerned.
It has wide pine forests, perennial springs, streams and rivulets and perhaps, that is why it is believed to be abode of 'Gods', Goddesses' and 'Nag Rajas'.
The enchanting Chenab Vallety also has in its lap pious sacred shrines.
One such is Gupt Ganga.
Barely half a mile away from Vasuki Nag Temple is another temple of Lord Shiva.
It nestles at the foot of the 'Ashapati' mountain' that reaches height around 9000 ft.
To one side of the temple flows a nullah coming down from 'Kailash Lake'.
There is a cave at this place where from water gushes out and falls on 'Shiv-Lingam' which is claimed to have come from "Munchder Nullah" flowing nearby.
A magnificient temple stands over this Shiva- Lingam.
Other sacred places that lie in the lap of this enchanting valley include Kailash Kund, also named as Kaplash.
This is perhaps the holiest pilgrimage for the locals as well as devotees from far flung areas who visit here on 'Triyodshi' after a fortnight of Raksha Bandhan' every year.
The Valley also has temple of "Bhagwan Vasuki Nag' which is situated at Gatha (Bhaderwah town) that is considered abode of Shakti.
Devotees visit here from far-flung areas while on their way to Kailash Yatra that is held in August every year.
Atop 'Kailash Kund', is situated the lake of Mata Saraswati (Goddess of wisdom and intelligence) and as the legend goes when "Vasuki Nag" was chased by 'Garud', 'Mata Saraswati' came to his rescue and flooded holy water from her lake to "Kailash Kund".
'Naga' flee from the spot and took shelter in the Kund and thus was rescued 'Naga' from 'Garud'.
Chinta valley of Bhaderwah, undoubtedly, is nothing less that a place that has abundant Natural beauty, flora and fauna.
Nestling amongst high mountainous and cliffy terrain lies beautiful town called Kishtwar.
It is a land of mosques, dargahs and Zirarats.
All these places are in the lap of "Proud Chenab Valley" - the most enchanting and bewitching valley.
An aerial view of Patnitop, Batote, Sanasar, Chanderkote, Ramban, Banihal, Desa, Siraj, Marmat, Chinta, Jai Nalthi, Hanga, Bhalessa, Inderwal, Atholi, Machail, Dacchan, Marwar, Warmar, Padder, Pogul and Kishtwar which has high altitude National Park that includes some 250 kms of areas is a home to many rare animals and birds, gives a panoramic picture of Chenab Valley.
