5 Famous Shrines in Kashmir

The happy valley of Kashmir is well known throughout the world for its Natural beauty. Here nature has been prodigal enough in crowning this ancient land with all its splendour and glory. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Mughal gardens attract visitors from all over the world. Its lakes, green meadows, dancing and foaming streams, majestic forests full of fir and pine, snow-capped peaks are common attractions to the outsider as well as to the native.

* The Kheer Bhawani Temple

The Goddess Ragnya Devi is symbolized as the sacred spring at Tula Mula village. Within this spring exists a small marble temple, where devotees offer Milk Kheer, on eighth day of full Moon in May. Believers say the Goddess changes the spring’s colour.

* The Shankaracharya Temple

It stands tall at the top of a hill known as Takht-I-Sulaiman, in the south-east of Srinagar dating back to 250BC. Earlier, this temple was known as Gopadri. Built on a high octagonal plinth the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. An inscription in Persian within the Temple traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan.

* The Lord Surya or Martand Temple

A medieval temple built by King Laitaditya, it is a colonnaded courtyard wherein the shrine takes the centre stage. The temple rests on 84 columns and commands a magnificent view of the valley!

* Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu at Awantipur

Inside the township of Avantiswara, two temples, one big of Lord Shiva and the other, a small temple of Lord Vishnu. Though in dilapidated condition, many devout still make it a point to visit.

* Sharika Devi Temple

Surrounded by almond orchards, makes for a delightful view in April, when trees blossom. Perched on top of the Hari Parbat, is the Sharika Devi temple, believed to be a form of Durga Devi.