Top 10 Hindu Temples in Kashmir: A Spiritual Journey Through the Valley
Kashmir, known as Paradise on Earth, is not just a destination of mesmerizing landscapes but also a region deeply rooted in spirituality. From ancient times, the valley has been a prominent hub of Hinduism, dotted with numerous sacred temples that hold deep historical and cultural significance.
The region has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Nilamata Purana, Kalhana's Rajatarangini, and various Vedic scriptures. These temples serve as a testament to the resilience of Hindu spirituality despite centuries of invasions and socio-political changes.
In this article, we explore the top 10 Hindu temples in Kashmir, delving into their history, architectural beauty, and mystical stories that continue to inspire millions of devotees.
Historical Significance of Hindu Temples in Kashmir
Kashmir has been a sacred land for Hindus since Vedic times. It was once a thriving center of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. Many temples were built by Hindu kings, including the Karkota and Utpala dynasties. Despite facing destruction during various invasions, these temples have retained their spiritual significance.
Temples like the Martand Sun Temple and Avantipur Temple showcase Kashmir’s rich architectural history, while sites like Shankaracharya Temple and Kheer Bhawani Temple continue to attract thousands of devotees.
Top 10 Hindu Temples in Kashmir
1. Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
Historic Background
Perched on Shankaracharya Hill, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher, visited here in the 9th century and meditated. The temple dates back over 2000 years and is one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Kashmir.
Story Behind the Shankaracharya Temple
Legends say that Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya attained enlightenment here and spread the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta across India. The temple was originally called Jyeshteshwara Temple and was later renamed after the sage.
Interesting Facts
Offers a panoramic view of Dal Lake and Srinagar.
One of the oldest Shiva temples in North India.
Requires climbing 243 steps to reach the temple.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 20 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (270 km away)
2. Amarnath Cave Temple, Anantnag
Historic Background
The Amarnath Cave Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses the naturally occurring ice Shiva Linga, which forms every year during Shravan month (July-August).
Story Behind the Amarnath Cave Temple
According to legend, Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati in this cave. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of doves overheard the story and attained immortality. Even today, devotees report seeing these mystical birds in the cave.
Interesting Facts
One of the most challenging pilgrimages in India.
The Shiva Linga forms naturally due to freezing water.
Legend says a pair of doves live eternally in the cave.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 90 km to Baltal or Pahalgam, followed by a trek
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (270 km away)
3. Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla
Historic Background
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, worshipped mainly by Kashmiri Pandits. It is named after the traditional offering of kheer (rice pudding).
Story Behind the Kheer Bhawani Temple
It is said that Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, was a devotee of Ragnya Devi. However, his misconduct angered the Goddess, and she left Lanka and settled in Kashmir.
Interesting Facts
The spring water in the temple changes color as an omen.
It is one of the most sacred temples for Kashmiri Hindus.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 22 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (270 km away)
4. Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag
Historic Background
Built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century, this Sun Temple is an architectural marvel, now in ruins.
Story Behind the Sun Temple
It is believed that Martand, the Hindu Sun God, was worshipped here, and the temple was a major pilgrimage site before its destruction by Muslim ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the 15th century.
Interesting Facts
One of the few Sun Temples in India.
Featured in Bollywood movie Haider.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 63 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (265 km away)
5. Sharika Devi Temple, Hari Parbat, Srinagar
Historic Background
Sharika Devi Temple, located on Hari Parbat Hill in Srinagar, is dedicated to Goddess Sharika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga (Shakti). The temple is considered one of the most sacred shrines for Kashmiri Hindus and is believed to date back to ancient times. The Swachh Kula (Shri Chakra), an 18-armed form of the goddess, is worshipped here.
Story Behind the Sharika Devi Temple
Legend has it that a demon named Jalodbhava was terrorizing the Kashmir Valley, which was once a vast lake. The gods prayed to Goddess Sharika, who transformed into a powerful deity and dropped a pebble from the sky to slay the demon. This pebble expanded into Hari Parbat Hill, which today stands as a symbol of divine power.
Interesting Facts
The temple is a revered Shakti Peetha.
It is said that the Sharika Peeth is self-manifested.
The annual Sharika Jayanti festival is a grand celebration here.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 14 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (260 km away)
6. Avantipur Temple, Pulwama
Historic Background
Avantipur Temple, located in the Pulwama district, was built by King Avantivarman of the Utpala dynasty in the 9th century. This temple complex originally had two grand temples: one dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Avantiswami Temple) and the other to Lord Shiva (Avantisvara Temple). Today, these temples stand in ruins, yet they remain significant for their architectural grandeur.
Story Behind the Avantipur Temple
King Avantivarman, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, decided to build one of the most magnificent Vishnu temples of its time. It was constructed using fine limestone and featured intricate carvings. The Shiva temple, Avantisvara, was built later to complement the Vishnu temple, showing the king’s devotion to both Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
However, the temple complex suffered destruction during the medieval period when Sikandar Butshikan, a ruler known for his intolerance towards Hindu structures, ordered the demolition of many Hindu temples in Kashmir. Despite this, the remains of Avantipur Temple continue to attract tourists, historians, and spiritual seekers.
Interesting Facts
The ruins feature exquisite carvings and early Kashmiri temple architecture.
The temples were constructed in the unique Gandhara and Kashmiri Nagara styles.
It is one of the largest temple complexes built by the Utpala dynasty.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 30 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (265 km away)
7. Jwala Mukhi Temple, Khrew
Historic Background
Jwala Mukhi Temple, located in Khrew, Pulwama district, is one of the most revered Shakti temples in Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwala, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, who is associated with fire and divine energy.
The temple is said to have been built centuries ago and has been an important pilgrimage site for Kashmiri Hindus. The annual Jwala Mukhi Mela, also known as the Hearth Festival, draws thousands of devotees.
Story Behind the Jwala Mukhi Temple
According to legends, Goddess Jwala appeared in this region to eliminate demonic forces that were causing havoc. The goddess manifested in the form of eternal flames, signifying divine energy and power. Devotees believe that the flames seen at the temple are manifestations of the goddess’s presence.
It is said that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era worshipped at this temple during their exile. The temple remains a powerful center for devotees seeking protection and blessings from divine energy.
Interesting Facts
The Jwala Mukhi Mela, held annually in February, is one of the biggest festivals in Kashmir.
The temple has natural flames that are believed to be self-originated.
Considered one of the most important Shakti Peethas in Kashmir.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 27 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (260 km away)
8. Bumzuva Cave Temple, Mattan
Historic Background
The Bumzuva Cave Temple, located in Mattan, Anantnag district, is a mystical site dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient cave temple is believed to be a meditation spot for sages and ascetics who sought divine wisdom and spiritual awakening.
The temple’s origin dates back to ancient times, with references in old Hindu scriptures. It is said that the caves were naturally formed and later sanctified as a site of worship. The temple is carved into limestone rocks, with intricate Shivling formations inside the cave.
Story Behind the Bumzuva Cave Temple Temple
According to legend, a great sage Rishi Kashyapa, one of the Saptrishis, meditated in this cave to attain moksha (liberation). Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself blessed the caves, making it a highly sacred site for spiritual seekers.
Another folklore suggests that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to reside in these caves before shifting to Amarnath. Even today, the natural formations within the caves resemble Shiva and Parvati’s divine presence.
Interesting Facts
The caves are known for their unique Shivling formations.
The temple is associated with many Kashmiri Hindu saints.
Bats inside the caves are considered sacred as they are believed to be divine protectors of the site.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 65 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (270 km away)
9. Zeashta Devi Temple, Srinagar
Historic Background
The Zeashta Devi Temple in Srinagar is dedicated to Goddess Zeashta, considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple holds immense significance for Kashmiri Pandits, who believe that the goddess blesses devotees with strength and well-being.
Located in the Raj Bhawan area of Srinagar, the temple is an important pilgrimage site, with thousands of devotees visiting it, especially during Jyeshtha Ashtami, an annual festival celebrated here.
Story Behind the Zeashta Temple
According to legend, the goddess appeared to the people of Kashmir to bless them during a time of distress and chaos. The temple is believed to be self-manifested, making it a powerful spiritual center.
Ancient Hindu scriptures mention that Zeashta Devi emerged in this region to protect Sanatan Dharma and uphold righteousness. Many believe that meditating at this temple brings peace and prosperity.
Interesting Facts
The temple is considered one of the holiest sites for Kashmiri Pandits.
The main deity is a naturally occurring rock formation.
The Jyeshtha Ashtami festival is the biggest celebration here.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 15 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (260 km away)
10. Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam
Historic Background
The Mamleshwar Temple, located in Pahalgam, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been constructed in the 5th century and is one of the oldest temples in the region.
This temple is significant as Pahalgam is the starting point for the annual Amarnath Yatra, making it a revered spot for devotees before beginning their pilgrimage.
Story Behind the Namleshwar Temple
Legend has it that Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, was once stopped at this temple’s entrance by Lord Ganesha. As per the story, Shiva had instructed Ganesha to guard the temple, and he did not allow Parvati to enter without Shiva’s permission. This episode is considered one of the reasons why Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the entrance of most Shiva temples.
It is also believed that Lord Shiva meditated at this site before setting out for the Amarnath cave.
Interesting Facts
The temple is made of stone and features a sacred Shivling.
Pahalgam was originally called "Bail Gaon," meaning the village of bulls, associated with Nandi, Shiva’s vehicle.
The temple is often visited by pilgrims before they begin the Amarnath Yatra.
Travel & Distance Information
Distance from Srinagar Airport: 95 km
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (285 km away)
Conclusion
Kashmir is home to some of the most significant Hindu temples that have withstood the test of time. Each temple carries a mystical story, deep spiritual energy, and breathtaking beauty. These shrines continue to attract devotees, historians, and travelers alike, offering an unparalleled blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
From the legendary Amarnath Cave to the sacred Kheer Bhawani Temple, these Hindu temples of Kashmir hold a timeless allure. Whether you seek divine blessings or wish to explore ancient history, a pilgrimage to these temples is a journey worth taking.
