Shankaracharya Temple In Srinagar

Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar is also known as 'Jyesteshwara Temple'. This holy shrine is located in the south east of Srinagar on the top of the Takt-e-Suleiman hill which is also known as Shankaracharya hill. Though its current structure belongs to 9th century C.E. but it is believed to belong to 200 B.C. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Probably the temple was visited by Adi Shankaracharya, thus it is associated with him.

History Of The Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya temple is thought to have been built around 200 B.C. The son of Emperor Asoka-Jaluka is credited for its construction. This sacred shrine is nestled at an altitude of about 1100 feet above the surface level. Local folks tell that the saint Adi Shankaracharya spent some time here during his trip to Kashmir in order to revive Sanatan Dharma.

Architecture Of The Shankaracharya Temple

The alluring architectural technique can easily be seen in the structure of the Shankaracharya temple. The temple clearly defines that its architectural technique is reminiscent of prehistoric times. The temple is constructed on an elevated octagonal plane. The main shrine is a circle shaped chamber. It is decorated by numerous Persian inscriptions that date back to the reign of Shahjahan. The ceiling has gone through a number of repairs thus, it appears modern in approach. There are three hundred silver and golden images that are decorated in the temple. This temple can be reached by the steps that are bordered by side walls.

Renovations Of The Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya is a detached ridge of an igneous rock to the south east of Srinagar. It is separated from the Shalimar Range by the Aita Gaj Gap. Around 34 B.C, King Sandimati worked for the enhancement and adding to the grandeur of the Shankaracharya temple. In the 15th century A.D, Zain-ul-Abidin renovated its roof that had tumbled down because of an earthquake. Its dome was restored by a Sikh Governor-Sheikh Gulam Mohi-Din. Swami Shivratnanand also repaired its dome at the request of a Nepali ascetic. The ascetic supplied him some financial aid as well. At present the temple is under the control of the Dharmartha Department. Now the temple has two tiny buildings for the ascetics who live here. These buildings are constructed by the Dharmartha Department. An old stone shed is also here that is called 'Parvatihund bana koth' that means the house of Goddess Parvati.

The splendid Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar is considered to be the oldest temple in the valley of Kashmir. As clear from above account, the temple has undergone several renovations thus it has a modern shadow on it but still, it has managed to maintain its ancient beauty and grace that sends an invite to visit and admire this temple.