Pahalgam, known across the world for its serene meadows, alpine breezes, and the spiritual calm of the Himalayas, now finds itself thrust into the national spotlight for a heartbreaking reason. On April 22, this picturesque valley in Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by a brutal terrorist attack, turning the country’s “Mini Switzerland” into a place of national mourning. As the country grapples with the pain and shock of the Pahalgam terror attack, questions have begun to surface: What is Pahalgam, really? What lies behind its postcard-perfect imagery and myth-laden name? The story begins with language. “Pahalgam” stems from two Kashmiri words: Puhel or Pahal, meaning shepherd, and Goam, meaning village – together, the “village of shepherds”. That name once evoked images of pastoral peace, a contrast to the chaos that played out here mere days ago. But in the hearts of many, Pahalgam is more than just a scenic hamlet – it is a place of pilgrimage, mythology, and cultural resonance. According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva, en route to revealing the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati, paused in Pahalgam to leave behind his divine companion Nandi, the bull. This act transformed the area into the symbolic “gateway to Amarnath”. Each year, thousands of pilgrims retrace this route, some 48 kilometres, to the sacred Amarnath Cave, embarking on a trek that is both spiritual and gruelling. Along the way, they pass through ancient forests, snowy ridges, and mystical river bends. Pahalgam’s divine stature is echoed in its geography. The town lies at 2,740 metres above sea level, just 92 kilometres from the state capital Srinagar, but its beauty feels worlds apart. Here, nature has carved out a masterpiece – towering cedar trees, undulating hills, and the crystal-clear River Lidder that dances through valleys blanketed in snow. It’s a place where one could lose sense of time, and perhaps even of pain. The town is also home to the historic Mamleshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, and has been a retreat not only for spiritual seekers but also for emperors. Mughal emperor Akbar and, later, British colonial officers often escaped here to find respite from the harsh summers of the plains. Even Bollywood fell for its charms – films like Betaab (1983) immortalised its beauty in Betaab Valley, now a favourite among tourists. Yet, among all its valleys – Aru, Lidderwat, Betaab – one stands out with tragic prominence now: Baisaran Valley, dubbed “Mini Switzerland”. The terrorist attack on Tuesday took place here, on the very ground known for its meadow-ringed serenity and wildflower-strewn hills. Enclosed by snow-covered peaks and cedar forests, Baisaran had long been a symbol of Kashmir’s untouched grandeur. Pahalgam’s other treasures – the tranquil Lidderwat, the snow-laced ridges of Panjtarni, the spiritual crossroad of Chandanwari, and the world-class Pahalgam Golf Course nestled among flowering slopes at 2,400 metres -continue to breathe life into the valley. Soon, the region will be even more accessible, with railway lines extending up to Srinagar. For now, it stands suspended between reverence and remembrance, between the sacred silence of its temples and the echo of gunfire that disturbed its peace.