Shankaracharya Temple - one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir
The Shankaracharya Temple dates back to 200 BC, but the present-day structure of the temple belongs to 9th century AD; historians believe that the temple was a Buddhist site of worship during the Buddhist era.
NewsBharati 09-Aug-2022 17:09:04 PM
Total Views |
Amarnath is one the most visited temples of Lord Shiva in Kashmir, but not many know of the Shankaracharya Temple which lies just in the path of the famous shrine. The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, which is located on top of the Shankaracharya hill, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and happens to be one of the oldest shrines present in Kashmir.
Other such inscriptions can be found inside the temple also, and date back to the period of Shah Jahan. The chamber of the main shrine provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the entire valley as well as the world-famous Dal Lake. It is a sight that will take your breath away.
History: The Shankaracharya Temple dates back to 200 BC, but the present-day structure of the temple belongs to 9th century AD. Several historians and scholars believe that the temple was a Buddhist site of worship during the Buddhist era. The magnificent temple is also known as the Garden of King Solomon & Persian inscriptions can also be found here inside the main temple. Shankaracharya visited this temple centuries ago. Ever since, it is associated with him. It is also believed that he was responsible for changing this temple from a Buddhist religious place to a Hindu site of worship.
The Shiva linga that is found inside the temple was placed here in the 19th century during the Sikh period. But other historians believe that the Shankaracharya Temple was originally built by the Hindu king Sandiman, who reigned in Kashmir from 2629 BC to 2564 BC. Repairs were later made by numerous prominent kings over a period of years.
How to reach: The Shankaracharya Temple is easily accessible from all parts of Srinagar by the regular buses operating in the city. However, in order to ensure a comfortable journey, it is also a good idea to choose taxis that are also readily available in the city. However, to reach the entrance of the temple, you will have to make a short walk.
After constructing stairs to the temple by the Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh, the accessibility to the temple has become quite feasible.
Also called as the Jyesteshwara Temple, the temple is named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya, who is believed to have visited Srinagar close to 10 centuries ago. The Shiva Linga he worshipped is located in the temple.
People say that Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment in this temple, and it was after this enlightenment that he went out and formed the 4 Hindu schools of Advaita, or the philosophy of non-dualism.
The Shankaracharya temple is on a solid rock and is built on a high octagonal platform that is approachable by a flight of nearly 243 steps. The top of the temple serves a stunning view of the valley below. The Shankaracharya Temple is mostly visited by pilgrims and tourists on their way to Amarnath Yatra.
Architecture: This temple is located on a raised octagonal platform and needs to be accessed through a flight of 243 steps, and then another 10 steps from there to the temple. The fencing walls of these steps have inscriptions carved on them.
Other such inscriptions can be found inside the temple also, and date back to the period of Shah Jahan. The chamber of the main shrine provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the entire valley as well as the world-famous Dal Lake. It is a sight that will take your breath away.
The steps made up of stone that lead to the main shrine of the temple were built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The structure of the temple also includes two small buildings that have been built for the sadhus or saints who live here. But as written in the books of Kalhana, it was built by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.E; & during that times, the temple was known as Gopadri.
The Shiva linga that is found inside the temple was placed here in the 19th century during the Sikh period. But other historians believe that the Shankaracharya Temple was originally built by the Hindu king Sandiman, who reigned in Kashmir from 2629 BC to 2564 BC. Repairs were later made by numerous prominent kings over a period of years.
How to reach: The Shankaracharya Temple is easily accessible from all parts of Srinagar by the regular buses operating in the city. However, in order to ensure a comfortable journey, it is also a good idea to choose taxis that are also readily available in the city. However, to reach the entrance of the temple, you will have to make a short walk.
After constructing stairs to the temple by the Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh, the accessibility to the temple has become quite feasible.
Kinjal Dixit
Kinjal Dixit has a degree in bachelors in English and is currently pursuing her Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a hand at writing about infrastructure, culture and in sharing humanitarian stories.