Located on the banks of river Jhelum, Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The city has pristine lakes, well-built Mughal gardens, extensive view of mountains, luxurious hotels, and various religious destinations. If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature and take part in spiritual awakening – Srinagar is your place to be.
There are many temples to visit in Srinagar. But here are some of our favorite temples for you. So, sink in the divinity and embrace your beautiful self.
1. Kheer Bhavani Temple:
Location: Tulmulla – Dangerpora Link Rd, Tulmulla
Deity: Maharagnya Bhagwati
The Kheer Bhavani Temple is near Tula Mula village towards East Srinagar. The word ‘kheer’ means ‘rice pudding’, and the devotees offer it to the deity in the spring. It is a common belief that the spring changes colour on its own. The surrounding area of the temple has stone flooring and chinar trees which provide shadows for the devotees to rest.
Kashmiri Hindus and Pandits consider this temple to be of great importance. When the color of the spring turns any dark color or black, it marks an upcoming good day for Kashmir. Devotees also fast, wear vibrant clothes, and crowd at the temple on the 8th day of the full moon in May.
2. Shankaracharya Temple
Location: Dal Gate, Srinagar
Deity: Lord Shiva
Shankaracharya Temple is on the top of Shankaracharya Hill. You have to climb 250 steps to reach the temple which is at an elevation of 1000 ft. The exquisite view of the Valley and tranquility of the temple make it a famous temple to visit in Srinagar.
You cannot go inside the temple premises with your mobile phone. The eyes only get to capture the scenic beauty. However, the city of Srinagar looks magnificent at night from the temple.
3. Durga Nag Temple
Location: Dalgate, near Krishna Dhaba, Srinagar
Deity: Durga and Shiva
The Durga Nag Temple is above and around a spring. The temple has immense positive vibrations and is a must-visit for all the devotees. There is a shrine of goddess Durga, Shiva, Siddha Peeta, and a wish well in this temple. Ancient Vedic rituals are also performed here on auspicious occasions. Devotees believe that if you wish upon the well, your wishes come true.
Many stalls outside the premises sell ingredients of puja, and accessories for both men and women.
4. Zeastha Devi Shrine, Zaethyar
Location: Raj Bhawan Marg, Zeathyar, Srinagar, JK 190001
Deity: Goddess Zeasthaare
Zeastha Devi Temple is in a picturesque location. Devotees look up to the shrine of this temple for Siddhi, Riddhi, and Buddhi. The serene environment of the temple makes it an ideal place to practice meditation. You can also see various species of birds, leopards, lions, and deers here. It is a famous temple to visit in Srinagar.
5. Jyeshtheshvara Temple
Location: Outskirts of Srinagar
Deity: Jyestha Devi – a manifestation of Goddess Parvati
Jyeshtheshvara Temple is a well-known temple of Srinagar. Devotees worship Jyestha – a manifestation of Goddess Parvati here. The temple is spacious, and the 3000 years old shrine is a symbol of heritage. It also has a garden and is surrounded by lush greenery. Locals tend to book the temple for kirtans and marriages. It is among the few temples that have accommodation facilities.
Kashmir has something for everyone. It is a divine abode on the lap of snow-capped mountains and is the best place to have a spiritual awakening.
-Meenakshi Majumder