Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar
Overview
If you are planning for Kashmir trip, Cliffhangers India will get you the complete information you need to get the best out of your trip. Let’s look at why you should visit this temple and how to visit it.
History & Architecture of Shankaracharya Temple
Shankaracharya Temple is one of the most popular spiritual attractions of Srinagar, Kashmir. It is located at an altitude of about 1000 feet above sea level.
Pilgrims, visiting the valley, often plan the uphill hike to the temple.
The architecture of the Shankaracharya temple is an engineering marvel. While the exact timing of its construction is still under the wraps, it dates back to the 9th century.
Located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill, it is entirely carved out of huge blocks of stones. The entire complex is square in shape. The octogonal base is about 20 feet tall with a total of 243 stairs. The stairway is tucked in by two walls.
It is built in the original Kashmiri style, consisting of a Shikara on the top. Other than the influence of Kashmiri style on its architecture, the inscriptions found on the walls show that of the Mughal Period as well.
The main part of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum or the Garbhagriha. It contains the Shiva Lingam, the main Deity, made of black marble.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and devotees often visit here during the festival of Mahashivratri and other events.
Hike To The Temple
Shankaracharya Temple hike is a 7-km hike to the temple which will take you around 1-2 hours. The hike is decorated with natural elements and a magnificent view of Dal lake. Apart from this in Kashmir there are many hiking trails which are very adventurous.
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A Brief Information About Shankaracharya Temple
Where is Shankaracharya Temple Located
Perched atop the Zabarwan Mountain Range on the Hill, the Shankaracharya Temple is located in the Southeast of Srinagar City Kashmir in the North of India. The temple lies in the vicinity of Dal Lake and is located near Nehru Park, a small island famous for its scenic beauty.
The temple is accessed by foot on a 7 km climb up the hill. The trek is a bit tiring and yet an exciting experience.
Temple Visit Timing
The temple opens for pilgrims’ visits at 7 A.M. in the morning. It would take around 1-2 hours for a visitor to explore the temple. The temple closes for visits at 8 P.M. However, the parking area allows car entry only till 5 P.M. So you need to plan your trip accordingly.
How Many Steps are in the Temple?
People are often curious about how many stairs steps are there in the temple as the climb looks tiring. There are a total of 243 steps to reach the Shankaracharya temple. There are 23 landings on the way to the temple. Devotees have to traverse all these steps to reach the temple
Why is the Temple Famous?
The temple is famous because it is a great spiritual center where devotees come to meditate and pray to the deity. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have meditated on the hill for many days.
Besides a pilgrimage center, the temple offers a breathtaking view of the city and nature from the hilltop. The structure of the temple is an architectural marvel. The temple is based on a 20-foot-tall octagonal base. Inside the temple, the Shivalinga is situated in a small and dark chamber supported by 4 pillars. The temple is a favorite site for architecture enthusiasts all over the world. So if you are wondering why is Shankaracharya Temple famous, visit the temple and you will find out for yourself.
Essential Information
Things to Mind before visiting the Temple
● Electronic gadgets like DSLRs, mobile phones, and other cameras and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the temple. The temple has no locker facility so you would have to find your own ways to take care of your items.
● There are no souvenir shops or ATMs around the temple premises. So, you should carry your cash with you and buy the souvenirs in the city itself.
Places Near The Temple
Here are a few places to visit near the Shankaracharya Temple:
- Dal Lake
- Wular Lake
- Chashma Shahi
- Tulip Garden
Best Time To Visit
Shankaracharya Temple is accessible all year round. The temple is preferred by tourists in all months. However, the summer months of May to September are said to be the best months when the trip is comfortable and sunny.
However, Shankaracharya temple looks glorious covered in January snow and tourists prefer this month for the visit too.
Panoramic View From The Temple
The panoramic view of the landscape from the top of Shankaracharya hill is breathtaking. The whole Jhelum valley and the river passing through Srinagar City is a site to behold. The special attraction of the temple is the Shankaracharya temple view of Dal Lake. The Lake is completely visible from the temple in its full glory.
The view is even better at night when stars are reflected in the waters of the Dal lake. It looks like the sky has descended into the Lake.
FAQ's
What is Shankaracharya Temple famous for?
The temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Kashmir. It is situated on the top of the hill on the Zabarwan ranges. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. It has rich cultural significance and history. Hindu devotees and tourists can see the panoramic views of the entire Srinagar city.
How many stairs are there in the Temple?
There are only 243 staircases to reach this temple. The temple sits at an altitude of 1000 meters above the city floor. This is one of the most visited places for Hindus when they are on a Kashmir tour.
Is the Temple worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the Best places to visit in Srinagar. You can visit here from May to September, as it is considered one of the best time to visit this temple, and the weather during these months are pleasant.
