Shankaracharya Temple is located in Srinagar on the Gopadhari Hill in Kashmir, India. It is considered one of the oldest temples situated in the valley of Kashmir and if of great relevance to Hindu devotees all over India. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also known as Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists. The temple is one of the few ancient Hindu temples left in Kashmir and tourists are always seen making the temple a vital point of visit during their trip. The architecture of the temple is ancient and projects absolute brilliance in every frame. The location is conspicuous and not hard to reach for devotees in the state or outside it. Sankaracharya temple has got many different things about it to know and reflect upon.
History and structure
Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar was built in 371 BC by Raja Gopadatya. The temple was thus named ‘Gopadhari’. It is said that the great Philosopher Shankaracharya spend his days here during a trip to Kashmir. Though the happenings have been dated back to several centuries, they still hold a lot of relevance with regard to the situation and entity of the temple. The architectural style of the temple tells a lot about the times and ancient history of India. Though in modern times, several changes have been introduced, the temple still retains its authenticity in a lot of ways. The temple resides on an octagonal platform and one has to climb quite a flight of stairs in order to reach the shrine. The fencing walls beside the steps have some inscriptions on them. The insides of the temple have got Persian inscriptions that date back to the Mughal era.
Renovation works
Shankaracharya Temple has gone through a number of repair and renovation works for over many years. The first work of renovation happened during the era of Lalitaditya. An earthquake brought substantial damages to the temple and the repairs to it were conducted by Zain-ul-Aideen. However, the stone steps that lead to the gates of the temple were constructed on the command of Maharaja Gulab Singh. The ceiling has also gone through several repairs from time to time. Electricity was made available to the temple in the year 1925.
How to reach
Shankaracharya Temple is at a height of approximately 1100 feet from the ground. There are regular buses from Srinagar that take people to the temple on a daily basis. Taxi rides are also easily available. Toiling up the steps is worth every bit since the shrine is seated on a circular chamber and it offers a completely breathtaking view of the valley.
History and structure
Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar was built in 371 BC by Raja Gopadatya. The temple was thus named ‘Gopadhari’. It is said that the great Philosopher Shankaracharya spend his days here during a trip to Kashmir. Though the happenings have been dated back to several centuries, they still hold a lot of relevance with regard to the situation and entity of the temple. The architectural style of the temple tells a lot about the times and ancient history of India. Though in modern times, several changes have been introduced, the temple still retains its authenticity in a lot of ways. The temple resides on an octagonal platform and one has to climb quite a flight of stairs in order to reach the shrine. The fencing walls beside the steps have some inscriptions on them. The insides of the temple have got Persian inscriptions that date back to the Mughal era.
Renovation works
Shankaracharya Temple has gone through a number of repair and renovation works for over many years. The first work of renovation happened during the era of Lalitaditya. An earthquake brought substantial damages to the temple and the repairs to it were conducted by Zain-ul-Aideen. However, the stone steps that lead to the gates of the temple were constructed on the command of Maharaja Gulab Singh. The ceiling has also gone through several repairs from time to time. Electricity was made available to the temple in the year 1925.
How to reach
Shankaracharya Temple is at a height of approximately 1100 feet from the ground. There are regular buses from Srinagar that take people to the temple on a daily basis. Taxi rides are also easily available. Toiling up the steps is worth every bit since the shrine is seated on a circular chamber and it offers a completely breathtaking view of the valley.
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