Amidst snow cladded mountains in Kashmir there lies seat of powers , the God’s power. It is believed that Kashmir is the seat of Shaivam. It is said that it was from here that the sweet nectar of Shiva devotion spread in India and around the globe.
It was the place where Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu’s greatest seer placed his foot and composed his spiritual works. Kashmir has numerous temples and places of worship. The famous ones that are dedicated to Lord Shiva are Shankaracharya Temple and Amarnath Shrine.
Shankaracharya Temple: Lord Shiva Temples in Kashmir
Shankaracharya temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya once visited this temple and since then this temple got its name.This temple dates back to 200 BC, although the present structure dates to 9th century AD. This temple is atop Gopadri Hill where Shankaracharya composed his work, Soundarya Lahari . This is also regarded sacred by the Buddhists as some historians believe that during Buddhist Era it was a Buddhist temple and then changed to Hindu temple. According to Persians and Jews, it is called Bagh-i-sulaiman or the “Garden of King Solomon”. One can find Persian inscriptions inside the temple. This temple is also known as Jyesteshwara Temple. This temple is situated in Srinagar.
Must Read:Pancharama Kshetras – Five Temples Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Amarnath Shrine: Lord Shiva Temples in Kashmir
Amarnath cave shrine is revered by the Hindus all over the world and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated near Pahalgam and every year an annual pilgrimage took place when pilgrims visit this shrine and travel through difficult terrains in high mountains to reach the cave. Here the cave is covered with snow most of the year except for short period of time in summers when its open for pilgrims. Inside the Amarnath cave, a stalagmite is formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from roof of the cave on the floor and grows up vertically. It is considered Shiva Linga by the devotees. According to a religious belief this is a place where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Parvati.
By-Monica Saxena
