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Kashmir is synonymous with untouched and raw natural beauty. While tourist attractions like Gulmarg and Pahalgam stand out for their meadows, snow-capped mountains and blooming wildflowers, Kashmir is also known for its religious significance. There are several popular Kashmir temples in the city, each depicting a historical significance of its own. The spiritual ambience in each one of these temples offers a profound insight into the region’s storied past. As you plan your next trip to Kashmir, take some time out to immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of this city.
10 Must-Visit Kashmir Temples
Dotted across the valley of Kashmir temples, each a testament to the rich history and culture behind the Kashmiri faith and artistic heritage.
1. Shankaracharya Temple
Photo: Anurag Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Shankaracharya Temple is a popular Hindu temple that is located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar. Believed to have been visited by Adi Shankaracharya, the philosopher-saint, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. Due to its location on top of the hill, the climb to the temple’s entrance is a tedious but rewarding one. The temple was renovated by King Jaluka of Kashmir, who dedicated the shrine to Jyesteswara. The temple was renamed to Sri Shankaracharya Temple in 1848.
Location: Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
2. Martand Sun Temple
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Martand Sun Temple is another one of the famous temples in Kashmir. Built in the typical Kashmiri brick style, the temple showcases a unique blend of Indo-Greek influences. The temple dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to Surya, aka Sun God. It was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida. However, between 1389 and 1413, it was Sikandar Shah Miri. Today, the ruins of the temple remain where it was constructed and you get to witness the impressive colonnaded courtyard, a primary shrine, and subsidiary shrines, all made out of grey limestone.
Location: Sun Temple, Mattan, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
3. Amarnath Cave Temple
Photo: Gktambe / Wikimedia Commons
The Amarnath Cave Temple is located in Pahalgam and is a popular Kashmir temple. According to mythology, this is the cave where Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of immortality and the creation of the Universe to Goddess Parvati. Situated in the Sind Valley, the views of the snow-capped mountains along the way. The highlight of this cave temple lies in the cave is a naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims from across the country embark on the annual Amarnath Yatra for its spiritual significance.
Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: July to August
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
4. Kheer Bhawani Temple
Photo: Shivansh.ganjoo / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular Kashmir temples is the Kheer Bhawani Temple, which is located in Tulmulla in Srinagar. The temple is dedicated to a local Goddess Kheer Bhavani and the most significant aspect of this temple is its construction over the sacred spring. The reason why this temple is named so is due to the rice pudding, aka kheer, that is offered as prasad to the pilgrims. The Goddess in this temple is worshipped as the protective patron deity, otherwise known as Kuladevi. The vibrant red architecture and the serene atmosphere within the temple create a sense of tranquillity as well.
Location: Dangerpora Link Rd, Tulmulla, Srinagar, Tulmulla, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
5. Avantiswami Temple
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Much like the Martand Sun Temple, even Avantiswami Temple comprises the ruins of the Hindu temple, located on the banks of the Jhelum River. It is the biggest temple in Kashmir that was destroyed by Sultan Sikandar in the 14th century. Later, in the 18th century, a few English explorers excavated the temple. The design and architecture of the temple feature the influence of classical Kashmiri design, with stone sculptures and intricate carvings on the temple’s walls, providing a glimpse into the history of ancient Kashmir.
Location: National Highway 1A, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir 192122
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Museums In Jammu And Kashmir
6. Mamal Temple
Photo: Itzseoprasoon / Wikimedia Commons
The Mamal Temple is the oldest in Kashmir. It is located in the Pahalgam town in Kashmir and its construction and origin dates back to the 5th century. The temple itself is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it houses a sacred spring, which has water that offers healing properties. Mammal translates to “Don’t go,” which explains the temple’s backstory. There is the main shrine that houses the idol of Lord Shiva and there is an additional two-faced idol of Nandi on the side as well.
Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
7. Pandrethan Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Pandrethan Temple, also known as Puranadhisthana, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built during the reign of King Meruvardhana in the 9th century. Among all the temples across Kashmir, the Pandrethan temple features a unique architectural style and is built with a pyramidal roof and exquisite stone carvings. This Kashmir temple is surrounded by tall trees, lush greenery and a pond in the middle adds to the natural beauty of the place.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
8. Sharika Devi Temple
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Hari Parvat in Srinagar, Sharika Devi Temple is another one of the popular Kashmir temples. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sharika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Inside the temple lies the “Shila” or the sacred rock that features mystical carvings on it. It is what the devotees come to offer their prayers to. Dedicated to Shakti, the powerful feminine aspect of the divine, it is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Kashmir. The temple comes to life during Navreh or the Kashmiri New Year, drawing devotees from across the world.
Location: Hari Parbat in Srinagar
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
9. Bumzuva Cave Temple
Photo: Shaurya / Wikimedia Commons
The Bumzuva Cave Temple, situated near the town of Bumzuva, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The origins of the temple date back to the 12th century and features a collection of Hindu temples and artificial caves. Beyond the religious significance of the temple, the Bumzuva cave temple stands out for its delicate architectural work. Inside the caves, the walls portray intricate floral scrolls with rows of rosettes on them. At the foot of the cave temple lies two temples, which have been converted into Muslim Ziarats.
Location: Mattan Gopalpur Rd, Bumzo, Mattan
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
10. Maharani Temple
Photo: Divya Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Gulmarg, Maharani Temple is a temple that dates back to the Dogra dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on top of a small hill, enabling visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding city. The temple was constructed in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, which explains why the temple is alternatively named Mohineshwar Shivalaya. If you are in Gulmarg, you can see the temple from every corner of the city and somehow that’s the highlight of this religious spot. During her royal days, Mohini Bai worshipped Lord Shiva, which is why she later constructed the temple.
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Kashmir temples reflect the rich religious and spiritual significance of this city. Every temple is either a reflection of the region’s rich cultural or historical heritage. As you explore and visit each one of these temples, you get a closer look into the spiritual essence of Kashmir. To simplify the planning, make hassle free trip bookings with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
