Srinagar Sheetleshwar Bhairav Mandir- Jammu and Kashmir

Address

Srinagar Sheetleshwar Bhairav Mandir- Barbar Shah Road, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir 190001

Diety

Sheetleshwar Bhairav

Introduction

Shital Nath Temple is located in the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Sheetleshwar Sheetalnath is shiva and proto sacred temple of the Kashmir. This existing temple faces west and in its each and south direction the flow is of the “Chandra-Kulya” known now “Pstoot-Kulya”. In pre-historical period, the entire place was a high lake and was known as “Ahlaadmatt”, now the name is known as “Gunda Ahalmar”. Neelmata-Purana, the two thousand years old historical document mentions in its description the site of this shiva temple.

Puranic Significance

Sheetaleshwar Bhairava is counted amount the Thirteen Bhairava of Kashmir, whose historical account according to authority of “Aanand-Tantra” – the sacred text of Tantra-literature. Among these thirteen Bhairava, the sacred place of the Sheetleshwar is reverenced most auspicious Bhairava. The ancient temple was destroyed during the period of Afghan Rule as mentioned by Mr. R. K. Parimoo in his history, after 1990, again the temple and main Hawan Shala, the ceremonial sacred fire place is totally destroyed. This is the place and platform where Late Jawahir Lal Nehru, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan and Mahatma Gandhi has addressed to Kashmiri people, so Sheetleshwar Sheetalnath is not only a sacred temple but it is platform of free expression of the people of Kashmir. The famous Shital Nath Temple in Kashmir is now opened for devotees, news agency ANI reported. The temple was reopened on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. The temple was closed for devotees 31 years ago due to militancy and exodus of Hindus from the Valley.