Rishi Kashyapa, a revered sage in Hindu mythology, is often credited with the creation of Kashmir. According to ancient texts, the land of Kashmir was once a vast, uninhabitable lake known as Satisar (the "Lake of Sati"). This lake covered the entire Kashmir Valley, leaving it barren and lifeless. The region remained submerged until Rishi Kashyapa, using his divine powers and wisdom, intervened.

With his spiritual knowledge, Rishi Kashyapa carved a passage through the surrounding mountains, particularly the Pir Panjal range, allowing the waters to drain and giving birth to the fertile Kashmir Valley. This transformation of land from a vast lake into a habitable and prosperous valley is said to have led to the region being named after the sage, Kashmir, a name derived from "Kashyapa" and "Mira," meaning "lake of Kashyapa" or "the mountain of sage Kashyapa". 

In the centuries following this event, Kashmir flourished as a center of Hindu culture, philosophy, and spirituality. The region became known for its temples, its scholars, and the influential school of thought called Kashmir Shaivism. The teachings of great saints, like Abhinavagupta, helped establish Kashmir as an important spiritual hub. For many generations, the land remained predominantly Hindu, with its spiritual and cultural identity deeply rooted in Hindu traditions.

However, by the 14th century, Kashmir’s religious landscape began to shift. The arrival of Islam, under Sultan Shams-ud-Din, marked the beginning of a new era. Over time, the region saw a blend of Islamic culture, with a growing Muslim population. While Kashmir’s religious identity evolved, the memory of Rishi Kashyapa’s role in shaping the land remained significant.

Thus, while Kashmir was originally a Hindu land, its religious identity has transformed over time. The region, however, continues to be linked to Rishi Kashyapa’s divine creation, symbolizing both the Hindu origins and the diverse cultural evolution of Kashmir.