Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar-jammu-and-kashmir
Traditionally, it’s considered Kashmir’s oldest temple, with origins possibly dating back to 371 BCE, attributed to King Gopaditya. Its hill was known as Gopadri.
Architecture of the Temple
Architecturally, it’s a stone-built temple on a 20 ft high octagonal platform, supporting a square shrine.
The sanctuary includes a circular chamber with a Shiva lingam, encircled by a snake, beneath a ceiling supported by four octagonal pillars.
The temple merges Hindu, Buddhist, and Indo-Saracenic design elements, featuring intricate carvings and robust structure that has endured centuries.
Its site atop a hill with panoramic views of the Dal Lake and Srinagar reinforces the temple’s spiritual and strategic value.
How to Reach to Temple
To visit, you climb roughly 243 stone steps leading from the base to the temple entrance, with additional steps closer to the sanctum. The climb is both challenging and symbolic.
By Air: Closest is Srinagar International Airport (Sheikh ul‑Alam) (~11–14 km).
By Road: Accessible via taxi or auto from the city center, including the central bus stand (~8 km).
By Train: Nearest is Nowgam Railway Station (~17 km) or Jammu Tawi (~300 km) from where you can travel by road.
Temple Timings
