Shrine and monuments of Kashmir
Hazratbal Mosque :
Shrines In Kashmir - Hazratbal Mosque is located in a village of the same name on the banks of the Dal. Its pristine white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake. Hazratbal's special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. This is displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by fairs. Apart from these occasions, Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by throngs of people. 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 - Monuments In Kashmir.
Jama Masjid :
The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. This exceptionally beautiful Mosque is built of wood and has about 327 wooden pillars, with some more than 40 feet in height. Each of these pillars has been made from the trunk of a single Deodar tree. The spires and domes represent the pinnacle of Kashmiri architecture - Shrine And Monuments In Kashmir. This mosque has been burnt down thrice, but each time it has risen from the ashes more magnificent than before. The present mosque is credited to Aurangzeb, who reconstructed it around 1665.
Adi Shankaracharya Temple :
This is one of the oldest landmarks near Srinagar. It is situated right behind the Boulevard, 1000 ft above the city of Srinagar on the Shankaracharya hill. The oldest temple is said to be constructed around 2629-2564 B.C. King Gopaditya constructed the present temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Muslims call this hill, 'Takht- I- Sulaiman' or the “Throne of Solomon". A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof, it appears, is not more than a century old - Jammu And Kashmir Monuments. This temple stands as witness to the resurgent spirit of the Hindu religion, which despite persecution by the Muslims, managed to survive and flourish. The temple offers a breathtaking view of the valley below, the Dal Lake and the Moghul Gardens.
Amarnath :
Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir and is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams. There is an ice Siva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day
Kheer Bhawani/ Tulmul :
This is the most important shrine of the Kashmiri Brahmans and is held in great reverence by them. 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. According to legend this spring water changes colour whenever any calamity befalls the state of Kashmir. In the months of June and July, festivals are organized on ASHTMIS (8TH day according to the Indian Calendar), and Hindus from the world over converge on this shrine to offer prayers, sing Vedic hyms and do Havans (prayers around a spiritual fire).
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