Pilgrimages of Kashmir are as famous as its picturesque natural beauty. The valley abounds in pilgrim sites, both within as well as nearby. There are a number of Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist holy places in Kashmir, dotting the landscape. These temples, mosques and Buddhist gomphas attract numerous tourists to the valley. Along with being spiritual and meditation centers, the pilgrim destinations of Kashmir are also a treat to the eyes. A look at the shrines, located amongst beautiful and scenic surroundings, is enough to leave you spellbound & speechless.
Kashmir pilgrimage tour includes visits to a number of ancient temples,
shrines and monasteries. The best point about the pilgrimages of Kashmir
is that they reflect the peaceful co-existence of various religions in
the state. A number of famous Hindu temples exist along with equally
renowned Muslim shrines. And the best part is that these shrines are
visited by people of every religion. The living proof of this harmony is
the Hari Parbat pilgrim center. Here, a temple (Hindu), a mosque
(Muslim) and a gurudwara (Sikh) are standing side by side. Some of the
famous holy places in Kashmir are: Amarnath, Charar-e-sharif, Hazratbal
Mosque, Jama Masjid, Kheer Bhavani, Khanqah-e-Moula, Martand Sun Temple,
Shankaracharya Temple, Shiv Khori, Vaishno Devi, Awantipura, Chatti
Padshahi, Makhdoom Sahib, Sharika Devi Temple etc.
Amarnath Yatra in India is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Trinity
gods. The Amarnath shrine is located approximately 145 km from Srinagar,
4,175 m above sea level. The path leading to the holy cave of Amarnathji
is inaccessible in the winters.
Charar-i-sharif counts amongst the most sacrosanct Muslim shrines in
India. It is situated approximately 40 km from Srinagar, enroute to
Yusmarg near POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). A wooden shrine, the
Charar-i-sharif is approximately 600 years old.
The Hazratbal mosque is situated in Srinagar district, on the western
banks of the picturesque Dal Lake. Facing the beautiful Nishat Bagh, the
mosque offers a spectacular view of the lake and the mountain afar.
Jama Masjid Srinagar
The Jama Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of
the old city. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan
Sikandar in 1400 AD. Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin
got the mosque extended.
Kheer Bhavani Temple
The Kheer Bhavani temple is situated at Tullamula in the Srinagar
district. Steams and Chinar trees surround the place where the temple
stands. A revered Hindu shrine, the Kheer Bhavani temple is devoted to
Ragnya Devi, a Hindu Goddess.
Khanqah-e-Moula is situated in Srinagar, on the banks of the river
Jhelum. One of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir, the khanqah was
built by Sultan Sikander built in 1395.
Martand Sun Temple
The Martand Sun temple is situated on top of a plateau, near the town
of Anantnag. It is a medieval temple dedicated to Bhaskar, the Sun God.
King Lalitaditya, a Kshatriya of Surya (Solar) dynasty, got the Martand
Sun temple constructed to commemorate Surya.
The Shankaracharya temple is situated in the Srinagar district on the
hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is housed at a height of 1100 ft.
above surface level of the main city on the hill.
Shiv Khori is an astonishing natural cave in a hillock in the Reasi
tehsil. Situated 100 km from Jammu, this wonderful cave stretches on for
approximately one km.
Mata Vaishno Devi
Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is located near the Katra district at a height
of 5200 ft. The Devi resides inside a cave on Trikuta, a three-peaked
mountain. After reaching Katra, one has to undertake a trek of
approximately 12 km to reach the cave of Mata Vaishno Devi.