| The religious
practices of Hindus of Kashmir revolve around the worship of Shiva and Shakti.
All other deities (gods and goddesses) of the traditional Hindu pantheon are worshipped
as various manifestations of Shiva and Shakti.
SHANKRACHARYA
A beautiful Shiva temple situated on a picturesque location on the Gopadari Hill
on the South East of Srinagar. The name of the Temple is after the great philosopher
Shankaracharya who visited the valley about ten centuries ago. The Temple is built
on a high octagonal plinth approached by a flight of steps.
KHIR BHAWANI
Situated at a distance of 27 km from Srinagar, this place is symbolised by a sacred
spring near village Talamula. It is popularly known as 'Tulamool' a marble Temple
of Goddess Bhawani (Rangya Devi). A legend is believed that on the eighth day
of the full moon in the month of May, the goddess changes the colour of the waters.
HARI
PARBAT Hari Parbat a hillock
on the Srinagar city lies to the western side of Dal. Legend is that Goddess Parbati
that this hill grew out of a pebble thrown by Goddess Parvati to crush a demon.
On its magnificient slopes lie the famous shrine of Makhdoom Sahib and many Temples.
PANDRETHAN About 4 miles from
Srinagar there is a low spring in between of which lies a beautiful stone Temple,
the roof of which is artistically carved with one stone. Though ascribed to Vishnu
or Shiva, the seven square feet 'depression' in the centre carries no deity, only
carved 'yakshas'. MATTAN Mattan
about 62 km from Srinagar is famous for Temples where sacred ceremonies are held
to propitiate the dead. The Temples are on ponds which is filled with numerous
fishes. This place is also respected by Muslims. HAZRATBAL
Located on the banks of the Dal Lake made of white marble, this is the most important
Muslim shrine in Kashmir. This place is significant because it has the sacred
hair (Moi-e-Muqqadus) of Prophet Mohammad which is displayed on religious occasions
and fairs. This place is also known as Assar-e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani, Dargah
Sharief & Dargah. JAMA MASJID 
5 Kms from Srinagar, it was originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, and
enlarged by his son, Zain-ul-Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic
architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the present mosque
was repaired during the reign of the Dogra Maharaja, Pratap Singh. |