Let me introduce other side of less known less travelled spot in capital city Srinagar, The Adi Shankaracharya temple which is so rich historically that no one knows the exact construction date, though according to literary sources available it was built 2200 years ago (approximately 200 BC ) ans it transformed in to present form in 9 AD .The temple also known as Jyeshteswara is situated atop Shankracharya hills on Zabarwan mountain range of Kashmir valley.The views from the temple is spellbounding as it is has the altitude of 1000 feet or 300 metres overlooking astonishing Dal lake and most of the city line.
Brief about Adi Shankaracharya:
Born in Kaladi , Kerala and died in Kedarnath, he was great Hindu philosopher responsible for revival of values of Hinduism in the era when Buddhism was gaining popularity.He is close to my heart in the way he travelled through length and breadth of our beautiful country to seek what he was looking for. That's inspiring, isn't it?
He founded four dhams (monasteries) in four corners of India namely Kedarnath in North , Rameshwaram in South, Somanath in East, Puri in West. These dhams have great place in Hindu mythology since generations and one who visited all of them said to be reformed as a whole.
Approaching the holy temple :
After taking a shikara ride on mighty Dal Lake I was walking along the long and amazingly clean promenade and stopped by a very humble and middle aged Kashmiri autorickshaw guy asking if I wanted to explore city.It was only 10 in the morning and after good sleep and breakfast I was fresh and full of energy so asked him to take me to Shankracharya temple first (which was on my list for so long).
It was a best decision I must say as it need lots of effort to reach the temple be it treacherous snowy roads or steps leading to the temple. You will get amazing view from every twist and turns that makes you to stop and click pictures endlessly.Entrance is guarded by Indian Army personnel.
P.S : Nothing is allowed to carry including cameras and phones so it is better to leave with your vehicle or it will be held with army personnel which can be received upon returning from darshan.
Now the toughest part is 243 stairs which seems like not big deal but it test all the stamina and endurance you have.You have to mentally prepare and physically well to climb these and reach the top.
Once you reach the top all the effort you put was rewarded with serene and calm atmosphere around the temple, which is 30 feet high sits on octagonal stone plinth supporting 8 feet high sanctum with Shiv Linga and memorial of Shankracharya built in Kashmiri style architecture.
From the top you will have panoramic views of whole Srinagar city on the one hand and meandering Jhelum on the other.
I recommend to not miss this place on your trip to Kashmir.Thank me later :)
Truly described by Mughal emperor Jahangir
" If there is heaven on this earth, It is here... It is here... It is here"
