Anantnag

The district of Anantnag is situated in the southern region of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The district is divided into several Tehsils that are further subdivided into a number of towns and cities. Anantnag district is reputed for the health resorts situated in the district. Devotees gather in large numbers to the district to visit the sacred cave of Amaranth.

The district covers an area of 3984 square kilometers. Dooru, Kulgam, Bijbehara, Pahalgam and Anantnag are the five tehsils of the district. The tehsils are further categorized into 150 Patwar Halqas and 26 Niabat Circles, which are administrative units of the district. The 12 community blocks of the district comprises of 605 villages. According to the census of 2001, the total population of the district was 11.70 lakhs. The headquarters of the district is the town of Anantnag. The district stretches across the geographical coordinates of 74 degrees 30 minutes to 75 degrees 35 minutes east longitude and 33 degrees 20 minutes to 34 degrees 15 minutes north latitude. The natural beauty of the district entices tourists to visit it. It is surrounded by the high snow covered peaks of the Himalayan mountain ranges and has a number of natural springs and streams.

Historical research of the Anantnag reveals that the district derived its name fro the natural spring, Ananta Naga. The district has been witness to the change of rule in the region. The Martand Temple is the only archaeological site that stills stands in the district in its ruinous state. The other constructions of the Mughal dynasty have been lost. The temples, shrines and the springs are popular among the followers of the Hindu religion and are frequently visited by them.