Srinagar Shankaracharya Temple- Jammu and Kashmir

Address

Srinagar Shankaracharya Temple- Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir-190001

Deity

Shiva

Introduction

• Location: Gopadari Hill, Zabarwan Mountain, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Alternate Names: Jyesteshwara Temple, Pas-Pahar (Buddhist), Takht-e-Suleiman (Throne of Solomon).
• Elevation: Approximately 1,000 feet above Srinagar city.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, represented by a Shivalinga in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
• Significance: A prominent religious and spiritual pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and visitors worldwide.

Puranic Significance:

• Origins:
  • 200 B.C.: Initially built by Jalauka, son of Emperor Ashoka.
  • 1st Century: Renovated by King Gopadatta of Kashmir, dedicated to Jyesteswara.
  • 1848: Renamed Shankaracharya by Maharaja.
  • 1961: Statue of Adi Shankaracharya placed inside the temple by the Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeetham.
  • 9th Century: Current structure believed to date back to this period with renovations in the 19th century during the Sikh reign.
• Architectural and Historical Changes:
  • Early Architecture: Reflects early Kashmiri style with a horse shoe arch pattern.
  • Restorations: Persian inscriptions, roof repairs by Zain-ul-Abidin, steps constructed by Dogra King Gulab Singh, and electrical fittings installed by the Maharaja of Mysore.
  • Historical Alterations: Steps leading up the hill were removed by Muslim invaders for mosque construction.
• Temple Design:
  • Structure: Square in shape with an octagonal solid rock base (20 feet tall).
  • Interior: Stone staircase leads to a square terrace, interior circular chamber supported by four octagonal columns.
  • Shivalinga: Encircled by a snake, placed in the sanctum sanctorum.

Special Features:

• Historical Transition: Believed to have been a Buddhist place of worship before being converted to a Hindu temple by Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have resided and undergone penance here.
• Adi Shankaracharya: The Shivalinga in the Sanctum Sanctorum was central to his worship and spiritual practice, marking the temple as a place of significant philosophical and religious revival.

Festivals:

• Mahashivaratri: Major festival celebrated with special significance at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

9th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Srinagar

Nearest Railway Station

Srinagar

Nearest Airport

Srinagar

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