Temples of Jammu and Kashmir
Best temples to Visit in jammu and kashmir
Jammu, often called the “City of Temples” is particularly famous for its diverse temples, from Amarnath and Raghunath to Vaishno Devi. Due to their immense religious importance, these holy sites attract a large number of pilgrims throughout the year. Here,s a list of the best temples to visit in jammu and kashmir on your journey through jammu and kashmir.
Here is the List of 18 Temples in Jammu and Kashmir
1. Mata Vaishno Devi
Located 62 km from Jammu, the Holy Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on Trikuta Mountain at an altitude of 1615 meters. Globally revered as one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, devotees come to worship throughout the year. Accessible by a challenging 14 km uphill trek from Katra, helicopter services now provide an alternative route from Banganga to Sanji Chhat. This temple has three rock-cut Pindis representing Goddesses Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Location: Trikuta Mountains, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: About 5,200 feet above sea level
Best time to visit: All year round, but avoid extreme winter months.
2. Shri Amarnath Temple
Shri Amarnath Temple situated at the end of Lidder Valley is the divine abode of Lord Shiva. Located 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal (Sonmarg), this temple is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters. This revered place is a major Hindu temple, with a naturally formed sacred ice lingam in its cave. Pilgrims undertake the Amarnath Yatra in the month of Sawan (August) organized by the Amarnath Shrine Board. The pilgrimage usually follows the Chandanbari route via Pahalgam, 96 km from Srinagar and 280 km from Jammu.
Location: Amarnath Cave, Himalayas, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: About 12,756 feet above sea level
The best time to visit: is July to August during the annual Amarnath Yatra.
3. Shankaracharya Temple
Situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar, the ancient Shankaracharya Temple, built in 371 BC by King Gopaditya, whose original name was Gopadri, is situated at a height of 1100 feet above the city. Named in honor of Adi guru Shankaracharya, the eighth-century saint who revived Sanatan Dharma in Kashmir, the temple played an important role in popularizing the worship of Lord Shiva in the region. Maharaja Gulab Singh Stairs extend the access, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Srinagar. Beyond religious importance, the temple holds archaeological importance. Easily accessible by scheduled buses or city cabs, this temple boasts spiritual sanctity and architectural charm in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir.
Location: Shankaracharya temple, Zabarwan Range, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: About 1,000 feet above Srinagar city
Best time to visit: All year round, but summer months are better.
Suggested read : Beautiful Places To Visit In Srinagar
4.Avantiswami Temple
Mamaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated as a historical gem in the picturesque landscape of Pahalgam. Situated atop a mountain on the banks of the cool Kolahoi stream, this holy site has its roots in the erstwhile Raja dynasty. Reputed for its spiritual significance, the Mamaleshwar Temple attracts tourists throughout the year, making it a must-see place in Pahalgam. For a unique experience, take a pony ride to reach the temple. Considered both small and ancient, legends suggest that Lord Ganesha acted as the gatekeeper, giving rise to the temple’s name, which is derived from the word ‘ mammal’, which translates to ‘do not move’. The temple has deep spiritual significance and remains a popular tourist attraction, especially during the summer months and holiday season.
Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: Varies with a specific location in Pahalgam
Best time to visit: Summer months, especially during Amarnath Yatra.
5. Kheer Bhawani Temple
Kheer Bhawani Temple, an iconic Hindu temple, is located in Tulmulla village near Srinagar. Situated above a holy spring known to change color, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Raganya Devi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Its name is derived from the famous Indian sweet dish “Kheer”, which is served as the main offering. Maharaja Pratap Singh built the temple in 1912, later Maharaja Hari Singh renovated it. The temple has a hexagonal spring and a marble shrine housing the idol of the goddess. Legend has it that Lord Rama worshiped the goddess during his exile, and the location of the temple changed based on the divine intervention of him and Lord Hanuman. The present site was selected after the goddess appeared in the dream of a local pandit named Rugnath Gabru.
Location: located in Tulmulla village, Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Altitude: Altitude of Approximately 1,600 Meters (5,249 Feet) Above Sea Level.
6. Martand Sun Temple
Located at Ranbirpora Kehribal, 9 km from Islamabad (Anantnag), the majestic Martand Sun Temple stands as an important archaeological site in India. Dedicated to the Sun God, it rivals the Konark Sun Temple of Odisha. Built by King Lalitaditya between the 7th and 8th centuries, this temple exhibits rare artistry and architectural skill with patterns reminiscent of Greek architecture. Although attacked and damaged by Alexander Butshikan, the ruins still reflect the grandeur of this remarkable structure.
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: About 5,000 feet above sea level
Best time to visit: All year round.
Suggested Read : 10 Best Adventure Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir
7. Maharani Temple
The Maharani Temple at Gulmarg, which was a royal temple of the Dogra dynasty in the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, is dedicated to Lord Shiva atop a small hill in the middle of Gulmarg town. Built-in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, this temple is also known as Maharani Temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya. An interesting feature is its visibility from every corner of the city. The Maharani Temple, where Queen Mohini Bai worshiped Lord Shiva during her stay in the royal palace of Raja Hari Singh, is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm, with aarti performed twice a day.
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: Height information not specified
Best time to visit: All year round.
8. Your Shambhu Temple
Aap Shambhu Temple in Sathrian (Rupnagar), Jammu is a unique sanctuary where Lord Shiva is believed to reside in the form of Shiva Linga. Over the past six years, significant changes have transformed the temple, which presents an attractive structure with excellent architecture. Emerging as a prominent landmark in the geography of Jammu, Aap Shambhu Temple attracts attention not only for its architectural charm but also for the elaborate preparations during the festivals. Vibrant decorations including multicolor flags, flowers, and pandals create an enchanting atmosphere. Thousands of devotees wait patiently for hours to catch a glimpse of the Shiva Linga, and the temple management ensures arrangements for water and rasad. On Maha Shivratri, a beautiful view can be seen in the Shiva temple.
Location: Sathrian (Rupnagar), Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Best time to visit: March to May
9. Avantiswami Temple
The ruins of the Avantiswami Temple, a historic Hindu temple, still exist in Avantipora or Avantipur, located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Built by King Avantivarman in 855 AD, the temple, initially named Vishwasara, was part of the ancient city, which was also a capital founded by the king. Avantivarman, the founder of the 9th-century Utpala dynasty, built many magnificent Hindu temples in the region during his reign. Sadly, only a few of these structures survive today, as others fell victim to vandalism by Islamic invaders. During the era of King Avantivarman, the region experienced prosperity, leading to the impressive stone temple architecture of Kashmir of that period, which is distinct from other ancient temples in India.
Location: Awantipora, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: Approximately 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level
Best time to visit: All year round.
Suggested read : Places to Visit in Anantnag
10. Wangath Temple
The ruins of the Wangath temple, located near Naranag high above the Sindh valley, were built by the famous king Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty in Kashmir. Built around the 8th century, these temple complexes hold historical importance. According to Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, the city of Srinagar was founded by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, his son Jaluka (220 BCE) built Shiva temples – Bhutesvara, Jyeshtha Rudra, and Mathas – in the Wangath valley around the sacred spring of Naranag. Was. , King Jaluka built stone temples including the Naranag spring site around 137 BCE. Later rulers such as King Jayendra and Lalitaditya Muktapida contributed to the temple, which reflects the rich cultural and religious history of the region.
Location: Naranag, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Altitude: Height information not specified
Best time to visit: All year round.
Travel Tips for Visit In Kashmir Temples
Dress Modestly: When visiting temples in Kashmir, it is important to dress modestly out of respect for religious and cultural norms. It is advisable to wear clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. Avoid wearing ostentatious or inappropriate attire.
Follow Temple Etiquette: Follow the rules and guidelines set by the temple authorities. This may include removing your shoes before entering the temple premises, not touching religious artifacts without permission, and maintaining silence and reverence inside the temple.
Be Mindful Of Cultural Sensitivity: Kashmiri temples are sacred places of worship for the local community. Respect local customs and traditions by refraining from any behavior that could be considered disrespectful or offensive. If you are unsure about any specific custom, seek guidance from local people or temple officials.
Plan Your Visit On Weekdays: Kashmir’s temples can be crowded, especially during weekends and religious festivals. For a more peaceful and less crowded experience, consider visiting temples on weekdays. This will allow you to explore and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere in a more tranquil environment.
Check Opening Hours And Seasonal Variations: Before visiting any temple in Kashmir, it is advisable to check opening hours and any seasonal variations in timings. Some temples may have specific darshan hours or may be closed during certain months due to weather conditions or religious events. Stay informed to avoid disappointment.
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❤️ I love temples
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