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Kheer Bhawani Temple in Kashmir provides a spiritual connectivity with the goddess it houses. At this temple, people worship the Hindu goddess Ragnya Devi. As per the local tales, this temple was built between the beautiful hills of Ganderbal, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and is several centuries old. Several devotees from across the globe visit this temple to worship the Goddess Ragnya Devi. This magnificent temple has a sacred spring, chinar trees and green surroundings which are worth visiting on your trip to Kashmir.
History Of Kheer Bhawani Temple In Kashmir
Photo: BANITAtour / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kheer Bhawani Temple in Kashmir was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in the year 1912 and later construction was done by Maharaja Hari Singh. As per local tales, the goddess showed up in the dreams of a passionate Brahmin and instructed him to build a Temple in her name at Ganderbal. The temple gets its name from “Kheer,” a conventional Indian sweet dish made of rice and milk, which is offered to the goddess by the followers.
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The Temple Complex
Photo: Azhar Deen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This temple complex is surrounded by a sacred water spring. The uniqueness of this spring is that the water changes colour here. The temple complex is also a scenic sight as it has lavish chinar trees, adding to the tranquil and divine environment. It reflects the cultural heritage of Kashmir. Make sure you ask permission before taking any Kheer Bhawani temple photos.
How To Reach Kheer Bhawani Temple In Kashmir
Photo: Faiz ul Mushtaq / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The town of Ganderbal is well connected with the nearby districts. One can reach this temple at your convenience via different routes.
By Air: Sheik Ul-Alam International Airport of Srinagar is the nearest airport to Ganderbal. The distance between the airport and the temple is around 24 kilometres. Once you land at the airport, you will find lots of taxis and private cars that can take you to the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Srinagar, which is at a distance of 30 kilometres. Local state-run transport and private cabs are accessible from the Srinagar railway station and Ganderbal.
By Road: Ganderbal is well connected by road with major towns and cities in Jammu and Kashmir. So you can easily get local transport and private taxis that are available from all surrounding stations and stops.
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Places To Visit Near This Temple
Kheer Bhawani Temple is in an ideal location and has several tourist attractions where you can easily spend your time. A list of few such destinations are given below.
1. Manasbal Lake
Photo: Soporekashmir / Wikimedia Commons
Manasbal Lake is very famous and renowned for its clean, serene water and lovely surroundings. This lake in Kashmir is an ideal choice for those who love boating and bird-watching. The nearby Mughal garden, Garoka, also adds to the charm of this place. It takes about an hour to get to this lake from Kheer Bhawani Temple.
Timings: 8.30 AM – 8 PM
Charges: ₹24 per person
Activities: Boat rides, Mughal garden visits, bird-watching, fishing
2. Sonamarg
Sonamarg or the Road of Gold among all the beautiful hill stations. It provides wonderful views of snow-covered mountain tops in Kashmir. The entire area has alpine flowers that give it a colourful and beautiful appearance. It is a preferred destination for youngsters who love to engage in trekking, camping, and fishing.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Activities: Trekking, snowboarding, skiing
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3. Wular Lake
Photo: Mohit.vaishnav1 / Wikimedia Commons
Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. It is a serene and important ecosystem nestled in the picturesque Kashmir Valley. It is also famous among birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lake has icy hills on all sides, providing a beautiful view while you boat there.
Timings: 24*7
Activities: Rock climbing, camping, boating, birdwatching
4. Sindh River
Photo: Shahnawaz Zafar / Wikimedia Commons
The Sindh River flows through Ganderbal and is a major tourist attraction as it offers opportunities for rafting and fishing. It is popular among adventurous souls and meets the needs of those who love leisure picnics on the river bank. This virtual tributary of the Yamuna River flows through central India and enriches its fertile plains.
Timings: 24*7
Activities: Boat rides, white water rafting, bird-watching
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Where To Stay
Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
There are many choices to stay around Ganderbal and Srinagar; for all those tourists and pilgrims wanting to visit Kheer Bhawani Temple like Hotel Chinar Ganderbal, the charming Hotel Pine View, the luxurious Hotel Grand Mahal and the budget-friendly Hotel Snow Palace.
The Kheer Bhawani Temple of Ganderbal has a rich history, social importance, and tranquil environment that make it worth visiting. As you plan your visit, immerse yourself in the Temple’s heavenly ambience and absorb the rich social legacy of Kashmir. Start planning your trip to Ganderbal with TripXL and visit this beautiful temple here.
Cover Photo: Glavo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
