|
|
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting. Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II, and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today.
The sheer beauty and grandeur of the Kashmir Valley cannot be captured in plain words. Set at the foot of the awesome Himalayas, with the splendid Jhelum river meandering through it, this land of raw natural magnificence has enticed people from all over the world, for centuries. |
|
|
|
|
The Mugal Gardens
These gardens were laid out by the Mughal emperors in 16th and 17th century, hence the name. It was a favourite of the Mughal emperors. Laid out for their pleasure by the Mughal emperors, these gardens create a magical enchantment all their own. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.
|
|
|
Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara
The sixth guru of Sikhism travelled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally and a gurudwara has been built at the exact site of each of these halts. The most important one being Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara near the Kathi Darwaza in Rainawari.
|
|
|
Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque is located on the banks of the Dal. It houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine
- mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.
|
|
|
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
|
|
|
Shankaracharya Temple
The sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The site dates back to 250BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.
|
|
|
Khanqah of Shah Hamadan
Situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge, it is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The original one was built in 1395. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century, was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir.
The Khanqah is a wooden structure whose chief aesthetic feature is its beautifully carved eaves and hanging bells. The interiors are richly carved and painted, and the antique chandeliers give it an air of opulence. |
|
|
Hari Parbat Fort & Temple of Sharika Devi
The Mughal emperor's fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat hill. Even though in a state of ruin, still convey at least a little of the grandeur of the Mughals' summer retreat in
'paradise'. The hill is considered sacred to the Hindus due to the presence of temple of Sharika, which is believed to be a form of goddess Durga or Shakti. The wall around the hill was built by Akbar in 1592-98 AD.
|
|
|
Martand
Martand, located atop a plateau, close to the township of Anantnag, has a temple dedicated to Surya, the "Sun God". Built by king Laitaditya Muktapida (7th to 8th century AD), it is a medieval temple with a colonnaded courtyard and the shrine in its centre. The temple complex has 84 columns and offers a commanding view of the valley of Kashmir.
|
|
|
Kheer Bhawani
The Goddess Ragnya Devi is symbolised as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. Within the spring is a small marble temple. The temple-spring complex is affectionately known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster.
|
|
|
Awantipur
Founded by Avantivarman who reigned Kashmir in the 9th century, this ancient township is 29 kms from Srinagar. The site has two imposing temples, the larger one of Siva - Avantisvara is marked by huge walls, some half a mile beneath the town on the outskirts of village Jaubror. The subsidiary shrines are to the rear corner of the courtyard. The complex has, over the years, lost its grandeur and been reduced to ruins, though it is still visited by the devout. Half a mile up is Avantisvami - Vishnu, a better preserved, though smaller temple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|