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
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-e-sharif
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.
Hazratbal Mosque
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
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.
Shankaracharya Temple
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
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.
