About Shankaracharya Temple
- Prime Day and Hours: Monday; Early Morning or Late Evening
- Suggested Duration: One to two hours
- Tickets: Free entry
- Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, 247 kilometres away
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, 13 kilometres away
- Nearest Bus Stop: Srinagar Bus Stand, 15 kilometres away
Discover the unparalleled spiritual charm of Kashmir’s oldest Hindu shrine as you visit the iconic Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar. One of the top places to visit with Kashmir tour packages, the temple is a popular stopover for many devotees on the Amarnath trek. This Lord Shiva temple lies in the heart of Srinagar city at a height of 1,100 feet on Gopadri Hill.
The temple is believed to date to the Mauryan period when it was constructed by Emperor Ashoka’s son. What makes the temple special is that this is where the famous Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya meditated for several days. He is also credited with the construction of the current temple structure in the 9th century CE.
After the short trek, one of the top things to do in Srinagar is to admire the incredible ancient architecture and stunning panoramic views. Explore the beautiful premises or meditate away from the city’s bustle at Kashmir’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage shrine.
Shankaracharya Temple Highlights
• Climb 243 stairs as you trek up an 1100-foot-high hill in the heart of Srinagar to reach the iconic temple.
• Witness mesmerising architectural details ranging from intricate shikhara carvings to ancient inscriptions dating to different eras of Kashmir’s history here.
• Offer prayers at the revered Shivalinga in the temple and spend time meditating in the calming ambience of Shankaracharya Temple.
• Seek blessings at Kashmir’s oldest Hindu pilgrimage site as you visit the Shankaracharya Temple, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
• Admire stunning panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake as you stand in the temple premises atop Gopadri Hill.
How To Reach Shankaracharya Temple
By Bus/Taxi:
The Shankaracharya Temple is around 11 kilometres away from Srinagar city centre, and it takes around 25 minutes to reach via taxi. Taxis are easily available from the city centre and charge nominal fares for the journey. Once you reach the foothills of Gopadri atop which the temple is located, you will need to trek uphill to reach the temple. The trek takes you up 243 stairs and can take around 30 minutes.
Best Time To Visit Shankaracharya Temple
Peak Season (May to September):
- Weather Insights – Pleasant and comfortably warm weather with sunny skies.
- Things to do – Witness festivities during Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Shravan Poornima
Shoulder Season (March-April and October-November)
- Weather Insights – Pleasant weather with a slight chill in the air, with fewer crowds than in the peak season.
- Things to do – Visit the temple, enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape
Waning Season (December to February)
- Weather Insights – Cold temperatures mostly drop to sub-zero levels and high chances of snowfall.
- Things to do – Winter photography, meditation on the temple stairs
Shankaracharya Temple Other Essential Information
Why Visit Shankarachrya Temple?
Shankaracharya Temple offers a unique glimpse into Kashmir’s rich spiritual legacy spanning several centuries in one place.
It is said that Adi Shankaracharya, one of the most influential Hindu philosophers, meditated in a cave near the temple.
The temple attracts numerous devotees on the Amarnath trek as seeking blessings here before the journey is among the top things to do in Kashmir.
Believed to date back to 200 BCE, the temple has architectural elements from different eras that show the region’s diverse history.
After the short trek up to the temple, you get to admire some of the best panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Know Before You Go to Shankaracharya Temple:
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will need to climb 243 steps to visit the Shankaracharya Temple.
Dress in modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to respect local beliefs and traditions.
Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed on the premises and lockers are not available either, so avoid carrying them.
If you wish to admire the panoramic views of Srinagar from the hilltop, plan a visit around sunset for the best views.
Carry a water bottle for the trek and some cash as ATMs are not available around the temple premises.
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Trek up the Gopadri Hill
Embark on an easy-to-moderate trek suitable for visitors of all ages in the heart of Srinagar city to visit the temple. Climbing around 240 steep stairs amidst stunning views is a unique experience when it comes to trekking in Kashmir
Seek Blessings at Kashmir’s most revered Hindu temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Shankaracharya Temple is the most ancient Hindu temple in Kashmir with centuries of history. Offer your prayers at this holy shrine where devotees travelling to Amarnath seek blessings before going on the challenging trek.
Admire Panoramic Views of Srinagar
Witness some of the best panoramic views of Srinagar, the Jhelum Valley, Dal Lake, and the surrounding mountains from the temple premises. This is one of the best places to include in a Srinagar honeymoon package to witness the city’s beauty during the sunset hours.
Tourism Board Alliances
Shankaracharya Temple FAQs
Why is the Shankaracharya Temple famous?
The Shankaracharya Temple is among the most revered holy places to visit in Gulmarg and attracts hundreds of devotees. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest philosophers in Hinduism, meditated atop this hill. Today, the temple attracts visitors who wish to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and meditate in this sacred space.
How old is Shankaracharya Temple?
Believed to have been constructed in 200 BCE, the Shankaracharya Temple is famous as the oldest Hindu pilgrimage site in Kashmir. The current structure is said to have been built in the 9th century CE by Adi Shankaracharya.
Who repaired the Shankaracharya Temple?
The ancient Shankaracharya Temple was first restored by King Godapatta in the 1st century CE. Later rulers like King Gopaditya, King Lalitaditya, Maharaja Gulab Singh of the Dogra dynasty, and the King of Mysore added, repaired, and reconstructed the temple. It is said that the King of Mysore introduced electric fittings on the temple premises.
How many steps are there in the Shankaracharya Temple?
There are 243 steps that lead you up to the sanctum sanctorum of Srinagar’s Shankaracharya Temple. The temple lies atop the 1100-feet-high Gopadri Hill and you can reach it by climbing the ancient stone stairs.
How much time does it take to climb the Shankaracharya Temple?
It can take around one to two hours to climb the Shankaracharya Temple and explore its ancient premises. You will need to climb 243 steps, after which you can admire its stunning architecture and the panoramic views of Srinagar.
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