The Shankaracharya Temple sits on a high hill above Srinagar, offering one of the best views of the city, lake and surrounding mountains. Dedicated to Shiva, it is a small stone temple at the top of a steep stairway. On the lakeside, Hazratbal Shrine is a revered white marble mosque whose dome and minaret reflect in Dal’s waters; it is important to Kashmiri Muslims and has a peaceful, devotional atmosphere.
About this place
History & highlights
Shankaracharya’s site is associated with the visit of Adi Shankaracharya in early medieval times, though the current structure dates later; the hill has seen layers of Hindu, Buddhist and later Dogra patronage, as well as use as a lookout by Afghans and Mughals. Hazratbal became prominent when a hair relic believed to belong to Prophet Muhammad was brought to Kashmir several centuries ago; the shrine has been expanded and rebuilt over time, and remains one of the valley’s holiest Muslim sites.
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